Sir Mark Todd suspended after video of him hitting horse went viral

Sir Mark Todd has been handed an interim suspension by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) after a video of him hitting a horse went viral on social media.

The two-time Olympic gold medallist, 65, sparked outrage at the weekend after footage emerged of him appearing to thwack a horse 10 times on its rear end.

Approaching a water obstacle, the horse hesitated to proceed forward and with a rider in the saddle, it was seemingly smacked for motivation with a tree branch.

Now the ex-Equestrian champion has been temporarily suspended while an investigation is carried out by the BHA.

A BHA statement read: "The Chair of British racing’s Independent Judicial Panel has today approved an application from the BHA that an interim suspension should be placed on the training licence of Sir Mark Todd following the emergence over the weekend of a video showing him striking a horse with what appears to be a branch.

"This interim suspension means that while investigations continue into the circumstances of this incident, Sir Mark will be unable to race horses in Great Britain or internationally.

"The trainer has admitted the individual involved in the video was him, has apologised for his actions and agreed to the imposition of an interim suspension.

"On Sunday the BHA condemned the video and confirmed that it was looking into the incident.

"The BHA will provide further updates as necessary in due course, though will not be able to comment on the detail of the investigation itself until it is concluded.

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"The interim suspension has been approved on the basis that it can be reviewed at a later date if necessary, on application by either party."

Following success in Los Angeles 1984 and Seoul 1988, Sir Todd retired from eventing in 2019 to become a racehorse trainer back in New Zealand.

But after the viral video, the 65-year-old has stepped down as patron of the charity World Horse Welfare.

Sir Todd has also issued a grovelling apology.

"I wholeheartedly apologise to the horse and all involved for my actions in this video clip," he said.

"One of the main things I preach is about establishing a mutual respect between horse and rider and that patience and kindness is the best way to get results.

"I believe this is one of the main attributes along with a great empathy with animals that has enabled me to have a long and successful career in eventing.

"I am very disappointed in myself that I did not adhere to that in this case."

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