THE recently retired Sir Mark Todd is eventing royalty. A veteran of seven Olympic Games, a dual gold medallist, and a multi-medallist at World Games, Sir Mark has also won the five-star showcase at Badminton on no less than four occasions, and has lifted the Burghley title an incredible five times.

Many thought he would be aiming for a place in the New Zealand team at Tokyo next summer, so the announcement of his retirement at Camphire International Horse Trials last week came as a surprise to all.