Hong Kong  - The challenge over a few glasses of red wine has become reality for New Zealand legend Mark Todd now that he is set to compete in his sixth Olympics in the three-day event.

The 1984 and 1988 gold medallist came out of retirement after eight years and has arrived at the Olympic equestrian venue in Hong Kong with his horse Gandalf.

"It started as a joke between friends one night and it just grew from there ... I probably had too much red wine," he said on Monday.

That was in October 2007 and the 52-year-old then managed to find a horse, got used to it, and managed to qualify for the Olympics in several events from February until May.

"It was a mad dash to qualify," said Todd, who despite his merits of the past had to earn his ticket to the Olympics the hard way.

"At the end of the day this was all right because at least now no one can say that I have special treatment," he said.

Todd retired after a bronze medal at the Sydney 2000 Olympics to breed horses in New Zealand. He now returns to an event which has undergone several changes in the past years.

"The narrow fences started to arrive when I left the sport. Now it is almost somewhat 'circussy' at times ... The days when you just need a horse with a big jump are definitely over," he said.

Todd and Gandalf will hope for a good result but on the other hand have nothing to prove in the event - bringing together dressage, cross-country riding and show-jumping - from Saturday onwards.

Todd's list of merits also includes the rider of the 20th century award by the ruling body FEI, while Gandalf has starred in a rap video. (dpa)