Mark Todd Sets Sights on London 2012
11 September 2008
New Zealand champion equestrian Mark Todd has delighted his supporters by confirming that he is continuing top level eventing and has set his sights onthe 2012 Olympics in London.
New Zealand Bloodstock Ltd, who sponsored Mark's campaign tothe 2008 Beijing Olympics, will continue to support him in his next Olympic quest.
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Mark Todd and NZB Gandalf |
Mark came out of an eight-year retirement at the beginning of this year with the challenge of making it to Beijing. After successfully competing in the New Zealand Olympic team with NZB Gandalf, Mark has admitted to being surprised by how much he enjoyed being backin international competition.
On a fleeting visit to Burghley last Thursday, Mark explained,"I saw Beijing as something of a challenge, but I hadn't counted on how much I would enjoy myself on the way. It's been great to be back on the circuit and I don't want to get another ten years down the line and feel that I have missed the opportunity to compete again.
"New Zealand Bloodstock has kindly agreed to continue its sponsorship and I am currently looking at horses to run alongside Gandalf, who has really proved himself as being top class.
"As far as plans go, I'll aim for Badminton next year and possibly Burghley, with the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky being my next big target; it was my first international event 30 years ago, so holds good memories for me and I would be very keen to go back."
Mark's announcement was met with resounding support from the Burghley audience, who were delighted to hear that he will, once again, become a part of the British eventing scene.
For nowMark will remain based in New Zealand while he gathers together his string of horses, before commencing his international campaign to London 2012.