Five Brits make it into top 10 in the 2016 Mongol Derby

Five British riders have made it into the top 10 of the 2016 Mongol Derby. Finishing on the eighth day, the British riders were among 41 competitors who this year attempted the world’s longest and toughest horse race.

‘Riding for Rangers’ team mates Tatiana Mountbatten, 26, a dressage rider from London, and Venetia Phillips, 28, took fourth and sixth place. The duo crossed the line only hours behind triple winners Will Comiskey (Australia), Marcia Hefker-Miles (New Mexico) and Heidi Telstad (Canada).

The same day, joint 7th, 8th and 9th places went to David Redvers (46), Alice Newling (28) and Alexandra Hardham (27), who crossed the finish line at the same time.

The Mongol Derby sees each competitor ride for around 13 hours a day, stopping to camp out at night. Riding 27 different horses each, they change at each station, 40km apart.

“I can honestly say it’s the most amazing experience of my life,” said leading bloodstock agent David Redvers, “I am completely and totally emotionally drained but at the same time exhilarated by the experience.”

Another British team, made up of representatives from the Household Cavalry, are among the 17 participants still to complete the race, which ends on the 14th August.

L-R Shannon Nott (Australia), Alexandra Hardham, Alice Newling and David Redvers. (c) Richard Dunwoody @ Mongol Derby