The British leadership in horse racing has confirmed the temporary suspension of Mark Todd’s license after a video appeared on social networks, in which the trainer beats a horse with a branch.
Todd was a very successful three-day competition before obtaining a training license, winning two Olympic gold medals in 1984 and 1988 for New Zealand and receiving a knighthood in 2013 for his achievements in equestrian sports.
In the video, Todd seems to be teaching running at a school where one rider struggles to drive a horse into a jump into the water, and then the trainer swings a twig and hits the horse several times on the back. Todd later apologized for his actions.
In a statement issued Wednesday morning, the BHA said: “The chairman of the British Race Independent Judicial Commission today approved the BHA’s application that Sir Mark Todd’s training license should be suspended after his appearance on the weekend. a video showing him beating a horse with a branch.
“This temporary suspension means that while investigations into the circumstances of this incident continue, Sir Mark will not be able to engage in jumping in the UK or internationally.
“The coach admitted that he was a participant in the video, apologized for his actions and agreed to a temporary deviation.
“On Sunday, the BHA condemned the video and confirmed it was investigating the incident.
“The BHA will provide additional updates as needed in due course, but will not be able to comment on the details of the investigation itself until it is completed.
“The temporary suspension was granted on the grounds that, if necessary, it may be reviewed at the request of either party.”