A racing trainer who hit a horse with a branch will send out his first runners this week after he served a short ban.
Sir Mark Todd was not allowed to send horses to the track while his actions in a viral clip were looked into by the British Horseracing Authority. The 66-year-old was suspended on February 16 in response to the footage, which saw him strike the horse when it appeared reluctant to cross a water obstacle.
Last week, Todd, an Olympic gold medal-winning rider, was handed a four-month ban. However as two months were deferred, he could resume training racehorses immediately – and he has entered two members of his string for races on Wednesday. Wow William has been declared for Lingfield's At The Races App Market Movers Handicap (4.50), while Prophet's Dream is set to run in the George Smith Horseboxes Novice Stakes (6.10) at Salisbury.
Todd told Horse and Hound : “It’s been a very tough two months, particularly on my family and myself. I would also like to express huge thanks to my family and my staff, and especially the owners who have supported me and stayed with me through all this, and also to the many people who have sent messages and letters of support throughout the period.”
Todd's actions in the Tiktok video were widely criticised and he accepted a breach of racing's rule (J)19, engaging in conduct prejudicial to the good reputation of the sport. He struck the horse multiple times with the branch at an eventing clinic on August 29 2020. "That means that the eight weeks he has already served is sufficient and that Sir Mark is able to operate under his licence immediately."
Todd's stables were inspected on February 17, when the BHA's officer found the facilities were well maintained and the thoroughbreds were in good condition. His best horse to date has been Tasman Bay, who finished second in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot 2021.
Since Todd began training in 2019, he has had 14 winners and his horses collected £121,072 in prize money last year. He gave a public apology after the clip emerged and stepped down as patron of World Horse Welfare.
It read: “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."
