Three Brits have taken second place in the world’s toughest and longest horse race.
Dangerous and emotional
The sixth Mongol Derby was won by Sam Jones, a 40-year-old Australian mining operator who completed the 1000km in eight days.
Ninety minutes behind her were Chris Maude (45), a retired British jump jockey who has ridden in eight Grand Nationals, English polo player Jamie Peel (32) and Robert Skinner (52) a former Royal marine sergeant.
“It was tough physically and mentally,” said Chris. “It was dangerous and emotional – you really go through every emotion. There were good times and bad times.”
Bad fall
Jamie battled a virus during the last couple of days of the race and then had a bad fall, when his horse tripped and rolled onto him trapping his legs. Luckily his team mates were on hand to catch his horse before it bolted, so he didn’t receive any penalties.
“It was an amazing challenge but going over the line was a massive relief,” said Jamie. “It’s emotionally draining.”
An adventure
The Mongol Derby, which attracts around 30 riders each year, recreatesGenghisKhaan’shorse relaypostal system. The riders change horse every 40km, and either stay with herders each night or camp out under the stars.
Former jockey turned photogpraher Richard Dunwoody was there to capture the action.
Sam, who is the second women to win the race and the first Australian, compared the Derby to climbing Everest.
“It’s a challenge, it’s an adventure, it’s an international race and it’s all based around horses, and I live horses,” she said. “I’ve ridden them since before I could walk and I’ve never stopped. I intend to come back and run thederbyevery 10 years until I can’t any longer.”