MONGOL DERBY HAILED A HUGE SUCCESS
The first edition of the ground-breaking Mongol Derby
has been hailed as a huge success.
A mini Nadaam was held to mark the end of the world’s toughest equine adventure. On the edge of a lake in the mountains in a spectacular setting, many of the riders joined in some of the wrestling.
Speeches were given and the riders congratulated for their splendid achievement. Joint first was awarded to Charles van Wyck, 28, of South Africa, and Shiravsamboo Galbadrakh, 28, of Mongolia. The award for the most money raised for charity was given to Charlotte Davison who raised an incredible £12,396 for the official charity Mercy Corps.
After the mini Nadaam and ceremony the feasting and drinking went on well into the early hours. John Munroe had brought his bagpipes all the way to Mongolia with him and entertained everyone with a bout of the pipes during the party.
The riders, the organizers, the vets, and the many people involved in the management of the horses were agreed that the first ever Derby was a resounding success.
After 8 days 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.
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.
After the first four riders crossed the finish line, another three came hard on their hooves only hours later. Chasing the leading pack were Julian Peppit, UK, Julie Barnicott-Burridge, Singapore /UK and Rowan Lovegrove-Fielden, also of the UK.
Julie is married to Steven Burridge, who is a racehorse trainer based at the Singapore Turf Club. Julie rides trackwork on his horses, but the Mongol Derby was an altogether different experience. Julie was elated to have completed the ride, especially pleased that she was able to overcome the physical and mental challenges this ride imposed. 'It was an amazing 8 days of hard riding, we rode over mountains, through rivers and across large open plains. I feel very proud to have been a part of such a huge event and to finish in the place getters. I would like to thank everyone who has sponsored me but a special thanks to all the owners, trainers, jockeys and stewards at The Singapore Turf Club who gave so generously to charity on my behalf, I raised over $20,000 for Mercy Corps.' Congratulations to Julie!
As with the leading four, all the horses ridden by these keen equine adventurers have flown through their veterinary inspections. From the rider perspective, the worst injury experienced was a slightly blistered testicle. We shall save that particular rider's dignity by keeping his identity a carefully guarded secret.
Despite eight hard days of riding across three aimags (Mongolian provinces) the riders were tired but elated to have finished their adventure.
As the sun set over the 10th day of the inaugural Mongol Derby, eleven more pioneering riders made it across the Finish Line.
The final three riders crossed the finish line earlier this week just in time for the closing festivities and party. John Munro, David Coddington and Carina Oliver crossed the finish line together, greeted by all the other Derby riders.
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A mini Nadaam was held to mark the end of the world’s toughest equine adventure. On the edge of a lake in the mountains in a spectacular setting, many of the riders joined in some of the wrestling.
Speeches were given and the riders congratulated for their splendid achievement. Joint first was awarded to Charles van Wyck, 28, of South Africa, and Shiravsamboo Galbadrakh, 28, of Mongolia. The award for the most money raised for charity was given to Charlotte Davison who raised an incredible £12,396 for the official charity Mercy Corps.
After the mini Nadaam and ceremony the feasting and drinking went on well into the early hours. John Munroe had brought his bagpipes all the way to Mongolia with him and entertained everyone with a bout of the pipes during the party.
The riders, the organizers, the vets, and the many people involved in the management of the horses were agreed that the first ever Derby was a resounding success.
After 8 days 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.
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.
After the first four riders crossed the finish line, another three came hard on their hooves only hours later. Chasing the leading pack were Julian Peppit, UK, Julie Barnicott-Burridge, Singapore /UK and Rowan Lovegrove-Fielden, also of the UK.
Julie is married to Steven Burridge, who is a racehorse trainer based at the Singapore Turf Club. Julie rides trackwork on his horses, but the Mongol Derby was an altogether different experience. Julie was elated to have completed the ride, especially pleased that she was able to overcome the physical and mental challenges this ride imposed. 'It was an amazing 8 days of hard riding, we rode over mountains, through rivers and across large open plains. I feel very proud to have been a part of such a huge event and to finish in the place getters. I would like to thank everyone who has sponsored me but a special thanks to all the owners, trainers, jockeys and stewards at The Singapore Turf Club who gave so generously to charity on my behalf, I raised over $20,000 for Mercy Corps.' Congratulations to Julie!
As with the leading four, all the horses ridden by these keen equine adventurers have flown through their veterinary inspections. From the rider perspective, the worst injury experienced was a slightly blistered testicle. We shall save that particular rider's dignity by keeping his identity a carefully guarded secret.
Despite eight hard days of riding across three aimags (Mongolian provinces) the riders were tired but elated to have finished their adventure.
As the sun set over the 10th day of the inaugural Mongol Derby, eleven more pioneering riders made it across the Finish Line.
The final three riders crossed the finish line earlier this week just in time for the closing festivities and party. John Munro, David Coddington and Carina Oliver crossed the finish line together, greeted by all the other Derby riders.
To read the news on The Adventurists Mongol Derby
website, please click here:
www.mongolderby.com