Moment brings Todd to tears

By SCOTT MacLEOD

Mark Todd's last event in Britain after 21 years grew into an emotional affair when the equestrian great was brought to tears by a surprise media tribute.

Todd was placed just 11th heading into the dying stages of the three-day Burghley event last night, but the five-time former winner was still the centre of attention.

Even the public address announcers called him "The Master"

But it was the tribute from dozens of British journalists after the first day's riding that caused Todd to turn away, head in hands, and shed a quiet tear.

The tribute was a reconciliation of sorts after tabloid allegations that Todd snorted cocaine with a gay lover - although it was unclear whether tabloid reporters were present at the ceremony.

Andrew Nicholson had the best shot at scoring a fourth-consecutive Burghley title for New Zealand. Nicholson and his horse Mr Smiffy were poised on 53.8 points last night, 6.2 points clear of Briton Christopher Bartle on Word Perfect II.

Todd, Nicholson and Blyth Tait are expected to fly to Sydney today, where Todd will have the services of Wellington sports media consultant Glenda Hughes to help him cope with an expected media frenzy.

Hughes, who was one of the first people contacted by Todd after the cocaine allegations broke, said yesterday that there was no big deal about her links with the equestrian legend. She had worked with athletes for four years, through the Sports Foundation and other agencies.

"I'm not getting any extra money for being around Todd."

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