Mark Todd gets fourth Badminton title

Wednesday, 27 April 2011 13:49

Eventing star Mark Todd has claimed his fourth Mitsubishi Motors title at the Badminton Horse Trials, held in Gloucestershire.  The New Zealand double-Olympic champion managed a spectacularly clear run from the relatively inexperienced NZB Land Vision; an impressive feat for the 10 year old, especially after a tiring end to the cross-country the day before.

With the leader board tightly packed after the cross-country, there was real pressure on riders to go clear to retain their overnight positions. The time did not appear particularly influential, but the oxer coming out of the double at 11 and the final fence, an oxer over a water tray, caught a number of riders out.

Despite the tiring performance the day before, NBZ Land Vision was ‘full of bounce’ at the trot-up, and after his fantastic performance Mark is quoted to have said "I truly think he is one of the best horses I've ever had."

Top 10 leaderboard

1. NZB Land Vision (Mark Todd) NZL 43.6

2. Jakata (Piggy French) 45.2

3. Imperial Cavalier (Mary King) 45.8

4. Happy Times (Sam Griffiths) AUS 46.3

5. Mister Pooh (Niklas Lindback) SWE 46.7

6. Lenamore (Caroline Powell) NZL 47.2

7. Opposition Buzz (Nicola Wilson) 48.0

8. Rayef (Laura Collett) 49.3

9. Calma Schelly (Marina Kohncke) GER 49.8

10. Avebury (Andrew Nicholson) NZL 51.2

We look forward to seeing Mark Todd with Grass Valley competing at the Rolex Kentucky 4-star, 3 day event, and hope for another stellar performance.