Sir Mark Todd (NZL) and Leonidas II, 2017.

© FEI/Libby Law

Top eventer Leonidas II retires

By Equestrian Life

Top event horse Leonidas II has retired aged 17 following a hugely successful career at the elite level – first with Sir Mark Todd, and later with Padraig McCarthy.

Owned by Diane Brunsden and Peter Cattell, the gelding (a Holsteiner by Landos out of a Parco xx mare) was retired following the recent European Championships at Avenches in Switzerland.

Leonidas II  began his career with Sidney Dufersne, who worked for Mark Todd – before Mark took over the reins when he was at Novice level.

The German-bred horse enjoyed a 12-season career, and with Mark Todd he competed at five Badminton Horse Trials (where their best results included fourth in 2015 and 2016, and fifth in 2017); the 2014 World Equestrian Games; the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, where they finished seventh; and many Nations Cup teams. The pair also finished sixth at Burghley in 2015.

Irish rider Padraig McCarthy took over the ride in 2019 following Mark Todd’s retirement from the sport, with a highlight being a win in the CCI4*-L at Barroca d’Alva in March 2020.

Happy retirement, Leonidas II!

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