SIR Mark Todd has tipped his horse Leonidas II to be in his prime come the Olympics next year after the duo finished third at Barbury International Horse Trials on Sunday.

The Badgerstown-based rider came within the optimum time after jumping clear in the show jumping stage to finish on their dressage score of 38.4.

However, Todd was denied top spot by fellow countryman Andrew Nicholson, who claimed the top two spots on Avebury and Nereo.

“I was really happy with third place. Obviously I would have been happier with first place, but it is a bit of a Nicholson benefit event this one,” joked Todd.

“To finish third was really good and I was pleased with the horse.

“The going was absolutely perfect. It is not too pleasant riding in the rain, but it made the going perfect.

“The only problem I had was my reins were a bit slippery and I had a couple of hairy moments, but other than that it was great.

“He is only 11, for an event horse that is quite young, and I think next year, for the Olympics, he should be absolutely in his prime, so I am looking forward to that.”

Lambourn-based Laura Collett won the best under 25 award as she finished sixth on Grand Manoeuvre.

“It was absolutely incredible,” said Collett.

“It was the first time I ever let him run, because he was new to me in August last year, and it has just been building a partnership and today it really felt like we knew each other, and he is just an amazing horse.

“I felt like at Badminton I was so nearly there, and it really started to feel like it was becoming a partnership, so this is his first run back and I am absolutely over the moon.

“He will do a CIC*** at Haras in France and then we’ll see.

“If he gets selected for Blair, then that is obviously the dream, but if not then he will go to Burghley.”

Meanwhile Mildenhall-based Tim Price added to his two star win on Court Jester with a top five finish in the three star event on Ringwood Sky Boy.

“It was a really good round and he is coming of age that horse,” said Price.

“Eventing is quite funny with horses, they take a lot longer to develop.

“He is 12 years old and is still finding himself and starting to believe in his own ability.

“He is a long, unconventional type horse and he is finding it easier and easier as he gets older.

“Out here it is a course that really suits him and I was able to go faster and stay tidy and he had a really good round.”