Victory for Irish jump jockeys in the Mongol Derby

Irish National Hunt jockeys Donal Fahy and Richard Killoran have finished first and second in the Mongol Derby – billed the “world’s longest and toughest horse race“.

Thirty-four riders set off on the race on 10 August, but only 21 finished. During the race riders were in the saddle for 12hr a day while they travelled 1,000km across Mongolia. Donal and Richard finished last Friday (17 August).

“I’m feeling great that it’s over. It’s been a hell of a seven days,” said Donal, who was celebrating his first win since breaking his back last October.

“It has been incredible, it’s the toughest thing I’ve ever done. The whole mental side, to keep pushing on. I can’t wait to have a shower and a few beers.”

Donal crossed the finish line with South African adventurer Barry Armitage, but Barry received a vet penalty of 2hr as his horse was found to be lame.

Richard, who rides for Nicky Henderson and was an extra in the War Horse film, crossed the line just 44sec after Donal.

More than 1,000 native Mongolian horses were used in the race, as animals are swapped every 40km. Donal and Richard aim to raise £25,000 for the Injured Jockeys Fund.

Visit: www.mongolderbyrace.com

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (23 August 2012)

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