Sir Mark Todd expects to saddle his first runners next week after being cleared to rejoin the training ranks by a BHA disciplinary panel.
The British Horseracing Authority suspended the dual Olympic gold medallist’s licence on February 16 after a video of Todd repeatedly striking a reluctant horse with a branch at a water obstacle – filmed at an eventing clinic in August 2020 – triggered a storm on social media.
Yesterday, the 66-year-old, who issued an immediate apology in the wake of the controversy, pleaded guilty to a BHA-led charge of bringing racing into disrepute.
Panel chair Brian Barker QC, who stressed Todd’s actions “could not be condoned in any form”, said: “The appropriate sentence is one of four months’ suspension, with two months of that deferred for two months.
“That means that the eight weeks he has already served is sufficient and that Sir Mark is able operate under his licence immediately.
Barker explained that the BHA and Todd's legal representatives had reached a "common ground" with regards to his sanction.
"In the course of discussion, it appeared that there was some common ground and the potential for advancement," said Barker.
"The parties retired for further consideration and in due course reached a potential basis of plea between the parties for consideration by the panel.
Reacting to the outcome, Todd said: “I’m very pleased that a line has been drawn under it – for the owners and my staff and everybody involved it has been a tough time.
“We are looking forward to putting it behind us and getting horses back racing again.”
Todd took out a British training licence in 2019 following his illustrious eventing career, saddling his first of 14 winners to date with Petit Bay in June 2020, while last year's King Edward VII Stakes runner-up Tasman Bay ranks as his best horse on the track so far.
