Today (18 June), Sir Mark Todd is donning his top hat once again. But this time, it’s not for an eventing dressage test, but instead for an outing to Royal Ascot as the former Olympic champion saddles his first runner at the meeting as a trainer.
Tasman Bay, a three-year-old colt owned by Sir Peter Vela, who was also a supporter of Mark during his eventing career, runs in the Group Two King Edward VII Stakes at 3.05pm.
“It’s a bit hard to believe that I’m having my first Royal Ascot runner, but I’m really looking forward to it,” Mark said in an interview for FEI Global. “I ride Tasman Bay at home – luckily he’s big enough to take me. He’s a beautiful horse, well-balanced, well-mannered and just a joy to ride. He’s got a huge, relentless stride and I’m really looking forward to him having a go.
“I’ll be wearing the same top hat that I wore while I was eventing and it’s the same one I had throughout my career, including riding at the Olympics.”
Tasman Bay has a soft temperament, as Mark explains.
“I do all of the morning feeds and when I go into his stable, he has to have a cuddle – he puts his head on me.”
Tasman Bay is currently sixth favourite in the eight-runner race, but has been backed into 12/1 from 33/1. The colt has run four times so far, getting off the mark in his second start at Newcastle in March this year, and more recently finished third and second in behind some classy prospects over two furlongs shorter than the trip he will face tomorrow, but he has a chance.
Mark says that he has one ultimate goal as a racehorse trainer.
“I’d like to win a Group One race – I’m not fussy which one,” he said.
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Former web features editor, point-to-point editor and digital racing editor
Gemma is an experienced journalist, who was a member of H&H staff from 2014 to September 2025. She is passionate about all equestrian sports, including racing and point-to-pointing. She has enjoyed riding out for top trainers Nicky Henderson and Charlie Appleby and took part in a charity Flat race at Epsom in August 2018. Gemma’s has reported from numerous five-star events around Britain and Europe, as well as European championships.
