Mark Todd passes first hurdle towards Olympic qualification

Eventer Mark Todd (pictured) has passed the first major hurdle in his attempt to qualify for this summer’s Hong Kong Olympics.

The 51-year-old New Zealander — who retired from eventing eight years ago but announced a comeback last month — needed two qualifying results in the advanced class at the Hawke’s Bay event at Arran Station on Sunday (24 February) to qualify for the Puhinui International Horse Trials (14-17 March).

Mark had two cross-country refusals on his first ride, Judge’s Decision, but won the class on Tom Collins and finished third on his Olympic hope Gandalf.

Reports in the New Zealand press say Mark seemed a little rusty on his first ride, but that by the time he rode Gandalf the old magic looked to be returning.

Pippa Roome

H&H magazine editor and eventing editor

Pippa is a true eventing geek and has been H&H’s eventing editor since 2005. She has first-hand experience of competing up to British Eventing intermediate and international CCI2*-L level, and has worked in the industry on a top event yard. Pippa enjoys nothing more than immersing herself in the sport at the highest level, reporting from the five-stars and international championships, including the Olympics.