Sir Mark Todd, the celebrated eventing champion, has begun riding out for racehorse trainers after retiring from eventing and training. At 70 years old, he works six days a week near Cheltenham in the Cotswolds.
Sir Mark Todd, a two-time Olympic eventing gold medallist, five-time Burghley winner and four-time Badminton victor, retired from eventing in 2019 and from training racehorses at the end of 2024. He recently moved to the Cotswolds with his wife Carolyn and now rides out for trainers Ben Pauling in Naunton Downs and Richard Hobson, whose yard neighbours their home. Todd rides two lots a day for Pauling on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and for Hobson on Wednesdays and Thursdays. He occasionally does three lots but avoids more, stating, “Two is enjoyable, three is a bit much and four is a job, and I don’t want a job!” The team at Pauling’s yard, mostly young riders, initially may not have recognised him, and he notes being the heaviest rider there. He regularly rides the four-year-old Old Clayesmorian, a bumper winner at Warwick expected to become a staying chaser. Todd has not yet schooled over jumps at Pauling’s, which lacks an arena. He sold the last horse kept at home, a winning mare, and holds a share in Rockit Tommy, now ridden by New Zealand eventer Tayla Mason, whom he assists along with other teaching. Turning 70 on 1 March, Todd reports his body holds up well, crediting riding for keeping it going. He skipped most racing visits, except the Cheltenham Festival, preferring involvement over spectating. The couple celebrated with skiing in Verbier instead of a party.
