MARK TODD, New Zealand's double Olympic gold medallist, notched up a Badminton hat trick yesterday when claiming the Mitsubishi Motors trophy with Bertie Blunt. But his 1996 victory meant more to the popular 40 year old than either of the other wins at the Gloucestershire fixture, because of his controversial partnership with the chestnut gelding.
Todd cracked two ribs in a schooling fall at home a fortnight ago, nearly pulled out of the French event at Saumur last weekend and then went on to win with the grey Kayem. But he was determined to be back in the Badminton frame with Bertie Blunt, the horse that went so close to winning at Burghley in 1994 and Badminton last spring.
The pair were eliminated at Burghley after missing a flag on the roads and tracks - although a stewarding lapse allowed them to go on to complete the cross country clear and slot into second place until the error was discovered.
Seven months later, Todd rode the horse round two thirds of the Badminton cross country without stirrups after a leather broke early on the course to take overnight fifth, only for Bertie Blunt to trot up lame at the final horse inspection.
Todd then lost the ride on the talented gelding due to sponsorship problems and only got the 12 year old back in March. He started at Badminton with the aim of bust completing a three day with him", but did it in the best possible style with a convincing clear in Saturday's cross country and a faultless showjumping round yesterday afternoon that allowed him to overhaul the two above him David O'Connor and Ian Stark.
O'Connor and the Irish export Custom Made had allowed their dressage advantage to slip when missing Saturday's optimum time by a mere second out around the country to drop below Stark and Stanwick Ghost. Todd and Bertie Blunt were in third ahead of compatriot and reigning world champion Vaughn Jefferis.
Fellow Kiwi and former world champion Blyth Tail was first of the top 10 to go clear yesterday and was joined by both Jefferis and Todd. O'Connor and Custom Made hit the fifth and Stark had to stay clear if Stanwick Ghost was to stay out in front.
But the grey had lowered four when in a similar position at Punchestown two years ago and, true to form, two fences hit the deck to drop Stark right down to sixth.
The County Down combination of Alfie Buller and Sir Knight achieved far more than just booking their place on Ireland's Olympic squad when finishing 31st. Their superb crosscountry clear on their Badminton debut gave the Irish selectors plenty to smile about
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