Sensation in Hannover: Chardon wins FEI World Cup Driving

Dutch four-in-hand driver Ysbrand Chardon has caused sensation during the
season opener of the F.E.I World Cup Driving in Hannover, Germany. The triple
World Champion won this first competition by beating his strongest opponent
and triple World Cup winner, Michael Freund.

"I had a good feeling about my horses this morning and luckily it proved to
be a good sign," explains a relieved Chardon. "During yesterday"s qualifier
I set the fastest time, but partly because of the very difficult course, I
knocked down five balls. That made me extra motivated today."
The course, designed by German course builder Dr. Wolfgang Asendorf, was adjusted a
little bit this afternoon, which was positive for Chardon. Because where
this year"s bronze World Championship medal winner went clear in both the
first round and the winning round, his strongest opponent Michael Freund
made mistakes.

The reigning World Champion is awaiting the final results of the B-test of
the positive medication control of one of his horses at the World
Championships in Hungary. When Freund is disqualified this will not affect
his participation in the World Cup. Only when the FEI decides to suspend
him, another driver will take in his place at the remaining shows. Freund
did set the fastest time in today"s round, supported by the enthusiastic
Hannover spectators, but had 15 penalty seconds added to his score for
knocked down balls.

It was not the first time that wild card driver Christoph Sandmann entered
the small arena in Hannover. In the previous years, he and Michael Freund
had treated the audience to an indoor marathon as part of the show
programme. Sandmann, who had brought his fanclub to Hannover, drove a steady
course and was satisfied with his third place.

Sweden"s Tomas Eriksson came fourth after missing a gate in one of the
marathon obstacles, which cost him precious seconds. Chester Weber finished
fifth, ahead of Jozsef Dobrovitz, who had bad luck today. The reins of his
wheeler horses got stuck which prevented him from equalling his good result
in yesterday"s qualifying competition where he came second.

It was the first time that Hannover organised the FEI World Cup Driving.
World Cup director Max Ammann was very positive about the newcomer and
predicted that Hannover will probably become one of the best shows.

The next FEI World Cup driving event takes place in Stuttgart, Germany, on
19 and 20 November 2004.

Results CAI-W Hannover:
1. Ysbrand Chardon (Ned)
2. Michael Freund (Ger)
3. Christoph Sandmann (Ger)
4. Tomas Eriksson (Swe)
5. Chester Weber (Usa)
6. Jozsef Dobrovitz (Hun)

Classification after 1st event:
1. Ysbrand Chardon (Ned) 10
2. Michael Freund (Ger) 7
3. Christoph Sandmann (Ger) 5
4. Tomas Eriksson (Swe) 4
5. Chester Weber (Usa) 3
6. Jozsef Dobrovitz (Hun) 1