Sir Mark Todd (NZL) is synonymous with Badminton Horse Trials.
In 1980, Mark became the first debutante to win Badminton since Richard Walker in 1969. In 45th position after dressage, he piloted Southern Comfort III to an unexpected victory thanks to superb jumping rounds; they were one of only three cross country completions within optimum time.
Just a few months after finishing runner up at Badminton to Lucinda Green and Beagle Bay, Mark and the great Charisma would take home individual gold at the 1984 Olympic Games. They would repeat this remarkable feat and become back to back gold medalists at the 1988 Olympic Games.
By complete chance, Mark would win his second Badminton title in 1994 with Horton Point. Lynne Bevan handed Mark the reins, and the number one drawn entry, after breaking her collar bone at Bicton the prior weekend. In second after dressage, they moved into the lead after a flawless cross country round before topping off a truly remarkable feat with a clear show jumping round.
As if Badminton wasnโt hard enough a test, Mark would complete the majority of the 1995 cross country test with one stirrup on board Bertie Blunt. No such issues the following year when they returned and took home the Badminton title; a third for Mark.
Having been retired, Sir Mark had the comeback of all comebacks, lifting the trophy for the fourth time with NZB Land Vision in 2011 and solidifying his Badminton legacy.