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[RC] Mongol Race - Flora Hillman

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!