26 Apr 2011

Mark Todd wins Badminton horse trials

11:17 am on 26 April 2011

The New Zealand rider Mark Todd has completed arguably equestrian sport's greatest career comeback, winning the Badminton horse trials for the fourth time and 31 years after his first success.

The win makes the 55-year-old Todd Badminton's oldest champion.

Riding NZB Land Vision he beat British riders Piggy French and Mary King in what was Land Vision's debut at the elite four-star level.

Going into the final showjumping round less than four penalties - the equivalent of one fence down - separated the top 12 riders but Todd and Land Vision rode a clear round.

Todd took an eight-year break from eventing after the 2000 Sydney Olympics having won gold at the 1984 Los Angeles and 1988 Seoul Olympics.

He rates the win alongside his Olympic gold medals.