Eventing legend Mark Todd is now eligible to represent New Zealand at the 2008 Olympic Games after completing his qualification with a double clear on Gandalf in the CCI*** at Saumur this weekend.
The partnership finished in sixth place, ahead of the highest placed British rider Mary King, who was eighth on Kings Gem.
Sam Griffiths riding Happy Times claimed the win for Australia, ahead of the home nation’s Aurelian Khan riding Lord de Ligniere. The show jumping phase proved particularly troublesome with all of the top five picking up jumping penalties, but Sam retained his pole position after cross-country despite having four down.
The event was marred by the death of Clayton Frederick’s Nullabor, who fell on the flat between fences two and three on the cross-country course.
Read H&H’s full report from Saumur, on sale 22 May, ’08