World’s toughest race back for seventh year

The world’s toughest and longest race is back for its seventh year, with 41 riders from 14 countries riding 1000km acrossMongoliaon semi-wild horses.

Range of riders

As well attracting equestrian professionals, this year’s Mongol Derby features a range of competitors from paramedics to personal assistants.

This year’s race has seven Brits and one Irish rider, in the guise of amateur jockey Paddy Woods (51) from Julianstown, who rode in the derby in 2013, but failed to finish the ride.

The oldest Brit taking part is Iain Hayter (62) from Lymington. He broke his neck riding and was told he should have died, but says he wants to do the Derby“because it’s there”.

The youngest British rider is Sarah Cooksey (30) from Lincoln, who will be racing alongside her fiancé Daniel Reeds (34).

Fund-raising

Alexander Dobres (31) from Bookham in Surrey is clearly a glutton for punishment – he’s taking part ‘because it will be hell’ – not inspite of the fact…

British equine vet Patrick Sells (32) has other, more altruistic reasons for competing. Now based in New Zealand he will be raising money for Kiwi Care Team, a group of volunteer equine vets, farriers, dentists and trainers who provide education and first aid to working animals in need around the world.

Catherine Coward (42), a personal assistant from Skipton, North Yorkshire, was already planning to visitMongoliain 2015. When she heard about theDerbyshe decided to ride her way across the country, raising funds for Royal British Legion & Bransby Home of Rest for Horses in the process.

Former crew

Also riding is paramedic Sian Dyson (33) from Bristol, South Gloucs, who attended as crew in the Mongol Derby last year.

“I appear to have left a little chunk of my heart out on the Steppe and now it’s time to retrieve it…on horseback,” said Sian, who is fund-raising for Frenchay Afterburns Children’s Club (FAB).