BREAKING NEWS: FIRST RIDERS CROSS THE
FINISH LINE!
10:57
on Sat 29th Aug 2009
After
an incredible seven and a half days of riding, the first four riders of the
inaugural Mongol Derby have crossed the Finish Line. First across the line was
the Mongolian Rider, Shiravsambo Galbadrakh, followed only one minute later by
the South African rider Charles Van Wyck. An English Rider, Sabrina Verjee
followed Charles by only 30 seconds, while another English representative, Paul
Chew came in 1 minute and 30 seconds after that. Each of their horses, having
been presented for the final obligatory veterinary check of the race, have been
confirmed as fit and well.
Now
all four riders are eagerly awaiting news of the overall winner, a decision
made only after their conduct in line with the Mongol Derby rules of horse
welfare has been reviewed and any penalties given for rule-breaking taken into
account.
These
riders now represent the first four people ever to have successfully completed
the longest, toughest multi-horse race in the world, a splendid achievement.
Having swapped horses for each leg of the race and riding across 1000km of one
of the world's remaining wildernesses, sleeping under the stars and eating
mutton all the way, they will no doubt be looking forward to a slightly dazed
sit down in something other than a saddle and a very cool drink.
Now
the focus falls on the remaining 19 riders who are yet to reach the final leg
of the Derby.
Keep
an eye out for news of all of them as the world's longest and toughest horse
race draws to its exciting end...
Photos
will be sent from the field as soon as possible – due to the remoteness
of the finish line, this may take some time – but keep your beady eyes
out for them here!
