Equestrian: Todd finishes cross-country with clear round

Double gold medallist Mark Todd showed all his skills as he negotiated a clear round of the Olympic cross-country course while all around him riders and horses were falling on Thursday.

Todd was held twice on the course as an injured rider and then a fallen horse were cleared.

Blyth Tait was forced to retire after a run out at the first water-jump.

Of the first 12 rides on Thursday, five horses fell and two were withdrawn, with one horse believed to have broken down.

Brazilian Roberto Macedo was injured when Sricote landed on him. He was taken from the course by ambulance.

A relieved Todd and Eyespy II were greeted at the finish line by Todd's wife Carolyn.

It was not clear why so many riders were having problems on the course, but most were inexperienced compared with Todd.

Todd is the early leader in the competition with a dressage score of 39, just 0.8 point ahead of Australian triple Olympics winner Andrew Hoy on Swizzle In.

- NZPA