Boyd Exell will begin as the clear favourite to win the World Cup title ©FEI

World number one Boyd Exell will begin as overwhelming favourite to win the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) Driving World Cup Final title when the two-day competition is due to begin tomorrow in Bordeaux.

The Australian, winner of the FEI 2015 Reem Acra Best Athlete award, has been dominant during the World Cup season,  racking up five victories.

Should he triumph at the final, it will be the seventh time in his career the 43-year-old has claimed the overall World Cup title.

His biggest rival is set to be The Netherlands’ IJsbrand Chardon, crowned champion in 2005 and 2006.

Chardon has been the only rider able to beat Exell during the series, triumphing at London Olympia in December.

The Dutchman was also able to take advantage of Exell’s absence at the Stockholm World Cup competition during November.

Germany’s Christian Ahlmann currently leads the World Cup Jumping standings
Germany’s Christian Ahlmann currently leads the World Cup Jumping standings ©FEI

Compatriot Koos de Ronde, bronze medallist at last year's European Championships, will also be aiming to secure a podium position in the six-person field.

Germany’s Michael Brauchle and Georg Von Stein will join Switzerland’s Jérôme Voutaz in completing the line-up for the event, the latter having earned a last gasp place with a strong finish at the World Cup in Leipzig last month.

Bordeaux is also due to host the final round of the Jumping World Cup season this weekend, with Germany’s Christian Ahlmann currently occupying first position in the overall standings.