World-Class Carriage Driving Entries Confirmed
Royal Windsor Horse Show has confirmed a stellar line‑up for its CAIO4 FEI Driving World Cup™ Qualifier, with 24 of the world’s leading four‑in‑hand drivers competing in the Private Grounds of Windsor Castle. Representing 10 nations, the international field promises three unforgettable days of elite carriage driving across Dressage, Marathon and Cones.
One of the most prestigious fixtures in the global carriage driving calendar, the Royal Windsor Horse Show CAIO4* once again attracts the sport’s biggest names alongside a strong British contingent, reinforcing the Show’s reputation as a must‑compete event for world‑class drivers.
Boyd Exell Returns to Defend Royal Windsor Crown
Australia’s Boyd Exell returns to Royal Windsor as the defending champion after claiming an extraordinary 15th Royal Windsor Horse Show victory in 2025, cementing his status as the most successful driver in the Show’s history. He faces formidable opposition from across Europe and North America, including Belgium’s Glenn Geerts and Dries Degrieck, who finished second and third respectively last year.
Sweden’s Fredrik Persson and America’s Chester Weber, who placed fourth and fifth in 2025, also return, adding further strength and depth to an already world‑class field.
FEI World Champions and European Title Holders Headline Entry
Belgium’s Dries Degrieck arrives in Windsor in exceptional form, having secured the FEI Driving World Cup™ Final title in Bordeaux earlier this year, and is widely tipped to feature strongly once again. The Dutch challenge is led by Bram Chardon, reigning European Four‑in‑Hand Champion after a record‑breaking fourth consecutive title in 2025. He is joined by fellow Dutch legends Ijsbrand Chardon and Koos de Ronde, ensuring the Netherlands are powerfully represented.
Germany, long a dominant force in international carriage driving, fields an experienced trio in Christoph Sandmann, Anna Mareike Meier and Georg von Stein, reinforcing the depth of European competition.
Strong British Representation on Home Soil
British hopes will be carried by Karen Bassett, Peter Bennett, Daniel Naprous and Robert Wilkinson, all bringing significant international experience to the event.
Bassett, Naprous and Wilkinson represented Great Britain at the prestigious CAIO4 at CHIO Aachen in 2025*, while Wilkinson also competed at the FEI European Driving Championships later that season. Arriving in excellent form, he recently finished third at the CAI3-H4 international driving competition in Exloo*.
Peter Bennett adds further pedigree, having been part of the British silver‑medal‑winning team at the FEI World Championships for Horse Pairs in Beekbergen in 2025. Together, the British quartet offers a strong home challenge against the world’s elite.
Three Spectacular Phases at Windsor Castle
The CAIO4* FEI Driving World Cup™ Qualifier begins on Friday with the Dressage phase in the International Driving Arena. On Saturday, the competition moves to the always‑anticipated Marathon, set within Home Park Private, renowned for its atmosphere and technical demands.
For 2026, a new Marathon obstacle located beside the Copper Horse Arena will introduce a fresh element to the course, delivering thrilling action and additional viewing opportunities for spectators.
The competition concludes on Sunday with the Cones phase, where precision, pace and partnership ultimately decide the final standings.
Expanded Broadcast Coverage for 2026
In a further enhancement for 2026, H&C TV will provide coverage of the Carriage Driving Marathon on Saturday for the first time as part of Royal Windsor Horse Show’s official streaming offering. This expanded coverage allows fans around the world to follow one of the most dynamic and technically demanding disciplines of the Show.
A Highlight of the Royal Windsor Horse Show
Simon Brooks‑Ward, Chairman of Royal Windsor Horse Show, said:
“Royal Windsor Horse Show has long held a special place within the international carriage driving calendar, and we are delighted to welcome such an exceptional field of competitors for 2026. With a new Marathon obstacle and expanded broadcast coverage, we look forward to offering an even more engaging experience for spectators and viewers alike.”
With defending champions, global title holders and a strong British challenge converging in the Private Grounds of Windsor Castle, the International Carriage Driving competition is set to be one of the standout sporting highlights of Royal Windsor Horse Show 2026.
