The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has placed an interim suspension on the licence of trainer Sir Mark Todd following the publication over the weekend of a video showing him striking a horse with a branch for refusing at a water obstacle.
Investigations are ongoing into the circumstances surrounding the events depicted in the video made two years ago during a cross-country clinic at which Todd was teaching. Until that process is complete Todd will be unable to enter horses to race in Britain.
A statement released by the BHA on Wednesday morning read, “The chair of British racing's Independent Judicial Panel has today approved an application from the BHA that an interim suspension should be placed on the training licence of Sir Mark Todd following the emergence over the weekend of a video showing him striking a horse with what appears to be a branch.
“This interim suspension means that while investigations continue into the circumstances of this incident, Sir Mark will be unable to race horses in Britain or internationally.”
It continued, “The trainer has admitted the individual involved in the video was him, has apologised for his actions and agreed to the imposition of an interim suspension.
“The BHA will provide further updates as necessary in due course, though will not be able to comment on the detail of the investigation itself until it is concluded. The interim suspension has been approved on the basis that it can be reviewed at a later date if necessary, on application by either party.”
The double Olympic gold medal-winning eventer was initially granted his training licence by the BHA in 2020. He had previously trained successfully in his native New Zealand, where his notable victories included the 2003 G1 New Zealand Oaks with Bramble Rose (NZ) and the G1 Wellington Cup in 2007 with Willy Smith (NZ). Todd has enjoyed a distinguished career in the saddle, winning Badminton Horse Trials four times and Burghley on five occasions. He was knighted in the 2013 New Year's Honours for services to equestrian sport.
Todd apologised for his behaviour in a statement released over the weekend. He said, “I wholeheartedly apologise to the horse and all involved for my actions in this video clip. One of the main things I preach is about establishing a mutual respect between horse and rider, and that patience and kindness is the best way to get results.
“I believe this is one of the main attributes, along with a great empathy with animals, that has enabled me to have a long and successful career in eventing. I am very disappointed in myself that I did not adhere to that in this case.”
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