Sir Mark Todd to Retire from Racehorse Training Season End

After six years immersed in racehorse training, Sir Mark Todd has opted not to renew his training licence following the current season. This decision signifies the conclusion of a captivating chapter for an individual who has skillfully navigated the challenging worlds of eventing and thoroughbred racing.

In reflecting on his choice, Todd acknowledged that this decision had been weighing on his mind for quite a while. 'We've been contemplating a lifestyle change, aiming to reclaim some of our free time,' Todd shared in a candid interview with Horse & Hound. 'Training racehorses demands total dedication—it requires a 24/7 commitment.'

Todd has always maintained a small, manageable number of horses, and his venture into racehorse training initially emerged as a personal challenge—a way to push his limits beyond eventing. His enthusiasm for the sport has not waned, as he has actively engaged in the development of the horses in his care. Nonetheless, despite his successes, Todd believes it is time for a new beginning. 'I’ve experienced it all, and now seems like the appropriate moment to step back,' he remarked.

This change follows the recent sale of Todd's Badgerstown property, which has led to a lifestyle shift for Mark and his wife, Carolyn. They are currently looking for a smaller home, likely in the Wiltshire area, and have already made arrangements to rent a temporary place in the meantime. “We were lucky that our home sold quickly,” Todd remarked. “Now we’ll take some time to explore where the next chapter will lead us.”

Sir Mark's first foray into racehorse training occurred after he initially retired from eventing following the 2000 Sydney Olympics. His stint in New Zealand, where he trained flat racehorses, was quite successful before he made a return to eventing in time for the 2008 Beijing Games. After his final retirement from eventing in 2019, Todd redirected his attention back to thoroughbred racing. 'We’ve significantly reduced our operations,' he mentioned. 'Right now, we have only six horses, and I might race a couple before Christmas, but after that, I will stop training.'

Although he is stepping back from training racehorses, Todd will not be completely leaving the sport. He has indicated his intention to remain active, likely through educational endeavors and participating in the racing community. 'I’ll still be involved, and we are still associated with a few horses in racing,' he mentioned. 'We might also consider breeding and potentially buying and selling young stock.'

As he looks to the future, Todd is eager about the opportunity to travel more, reflecting on a career that has spanned more than forty years. 'It has been a hectic 40 years, and now it’s the time to slow down. There’s no reason to reach 90 and wish you had done certain things.'

While the UK has been home for Todd for the last 40 years, he and Carolyn maintain strong connections to New Zealand and are looking forward to spending more time there in the future. As they anticipate a more adaptable lifestyle ahead, Sir Mark Todd's forthcoming chapter promises to be as fulfilling as those that have come before.