The Mongol Derby extends 1000 km through the Mongolian Steppe and is known as the world's longest horse race.
The course recreates the horse messenger system developed by Ghengis Khan in 1224.
The exact course changes every year and is kept secret until shortly before the race begins. The terrain will invariably include mountain passes, green open valleys, wooded hills, river crossings, wetland and floodplains, sandy semi-arid dunes, rolling hills, dry riverbeds and of course open steppe.
The entry fee is $13,000, and provides the rider access to 30 Mongolian horses, a support team, pre-race training and access to the support stations along the way. Riders must change horses every 36 km at the support stations. Along the way are vet checks to monitor the condition of the horses, and the vets may impose time penalties if the riders push their horses too hard along the trail.
To gain entry as a competitor, each rider must demonstrate that their riding skills are strong enough to endure the harsh terrain of the race.
The horses themselves are semi-wild, and may not cooperate with the rider, adding one more level of difficulty to the race.
Riders will spend thirteen to fourteen hours a day in the saddle, and the race lasts ten days. To complete the race is an accomplishment in and of itself, as only half the racers usually finish the race in any given year.
I think ITV should cover this race live with RH commentating
David Redvers has completed the 1,000km Mongol Derby, the world’s most gruelling horse race.
On day eight of the race the head of Tweenhills stud and racing manager to Qatar Racing reached the finishing line at 16.50 local time in company with three other riders – Alexandra Hardham (GB), Shannon Nott (Aus) and Alice Newling (GB).
They finished behind the triple dead-heating winners William Comiskey (Aus), Marcia Hefker-Miles (USA) and Heidi Telstad (Canada), who reached the line ahead of Britons Venetia Philipps and Tatiana Mountbatten. Following that pair in was America's Courtney Kizer.
A triple dead-heat after racing for 1000 kms
David Redvers has completed the 1,000km Mongol Derby, the world’s most gruelling horse race.On day eight of the race the head of Tweenhills stud and racing manager to Qatar Racing reached the finishing line at 16.50 local time in company with three