Toddy to get back in the saddle

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First there was Take That, then the Spice Girls and now there’s Mark Todd; as far as unlikely comebacks go this is up there with some of the best. Who would have anticipated that the former back-to-back Olympic gold medallist and all round equestrian legend would make a return to the Eventing circuit, let alone attempt to qualify and compete at this year’s Olympics?

Well, anyone who has followed Mark Todd’s career will know that he doesn’t do things by halves, so not only is he taking up Eventing again, but he is attempting to qualify as an individual to ride at the Olympics 2008. To do this at all is a feat in itself, let alone within such a short space of time.

Mark Todd, together with his sponsor New Zealand Bloodstock have purchased a 10-year-old grey called Gandalf, which came first at the CIC*** in Richfields 2007.

Of the new saddle bound challenge, Todd commented: “I’m looking at this as a challenge and a bit of fun and I’m putting absolutely no pressure on myself. If it happens, it happens and that’s how I’m approaching it. Gandalf has got a good record, he’s a very good jumper and he looks after himself so that sound good to me. I might need a little looking after.”

Andrew Nicholson, a former team mate and still a top ranked event rider said of Mark’s decision: “It would be the best thing that could happen for the sport to have him back.”

Getting a qualification let alone a place in the squad is by no means a foregone conclusion for the former great, he said himself:

“Some people might think I’m on a free ticket to the Olympics but that’s just not going to happen. My performance is going to have to be as good as or better than the other team members and at this stage I’m not even qualified, so it’s a long journey in a short time.”

We will have to wait and see whether Mark still has that winning edge in competition, suffice to say, he will be welcome back by the Eventing crowds with open arms and much anticipation.