The CAIO4* World Cup Qualifier got underway with the Dressage phase—the first of the three phases that make up the event—in the Driven Dressage Arena at the Royal Windsor Horse Show—Home Park.

Results

Photo: Boyd Exell in the CAIO4* Driving World Cup Horse Four-In-Hand Dressage at Royal Windsor Horse Show, Royal Windsor Horse Show/©Peter Nixon

Robert Wilkinson ©Melanie Guillamot

It was Australia’s Boyd Exell, who has won this very class over ten times, who finished the day in the lead with a 31.53, ahead of the USA’s Chester Weber in second, and Germany’s Anna Mareike Meier in third. But Exell declared what really made his day. “I am even more thrilled for Robert Wilkinson, the Comeback King, who earned a 48, his first score in the 40s.”

Chester Weber ©Melanie Guillamot

As the second team to start in the competition, Weber set the standard with a close 35.06, where Exell made the difference of a mere 3.53 point spread.

His elegant team of KWPN horses had recently flown from the USA. The RWHS is a favorite of the American driver who hosts his own event in Ocala, Florida, the Live Oak International.

While off to a good start, he will have his job cut out for him with marathon maestros ready to roll.

Marathon Order of Go