The Mongol Derby, a 1,000 kilometer scramble through the vast expanse of the Mongolian steppe.
The Mongol Derby —
The Mongol Derby, a 1,000 kilometer scramble through the vast expanse of the Mongolian steppe.
Richard Dunwoody
Each of the competitors must navigate their own way between the 40 horse stations which make up the race's course.
The 'un route' —
Each of the competitors must navigate their own way between the 40 horse stations which make up the race's course.
Richard Dunwoody
The horses stations, or "urtuus" to use their Mongolian name, are a place where riders can eat and rest. Competitors must also swap horses at each station in order to maintain the health of the animals. Each horse has their heart rate checked at each station, if it is too high the rider is issued with a two-hour time penalty.
Urtuus —
The horses stations, or "urtuus" to use their Mongolian name, are a place where riders can eat and rest. Competitors must also swap horses at each station in order to maintain the health of the animals. Each horse has their heart rate checked at each station, if it is too high the rider is issued with a two-hour time penalty.
Richard Dunwoody
Lara Prior-Palmer, a 19-year-old from Hampshire in England, speeds out of one of the urtuus after swapping horses.
Horse power —
Lara Prior-Palmer, a 19-year-old from Hampshire in England, speeds out of one of the urtuus after swapping horses.
Rihard Dunwoody
There was heartbreak for American Devan Horn at the finish when she crossed the line first only for her horse to fail its veterinary inspection. Horn (pictured in the background) was given a two-hour penalty, handing victory to Prior-Palmer. In this picture, Prior-Palmer receives a congratulatory phone call while Horn is comforted by a race steward.
Late drama —
There was heartbreak for American Devan Horn at the finish when she crossed the line first only for her horse to fail its veterinary inspection. Horn (pictured in the background) was given a two-hour penalty, handing victory to Prior-Palmer. In this picture, Prior-Palmer receives a congratulatory phone call while Horn is comforted by a race steward.
Richard Dunwoody
There's no champagne for Prior-Palmer at the finish, but she is able to enjoy a hard-earned beer.
Toasting victory —
There's no champagne for Prior-Palmer at the finish, but she is able to enjoy a hard-earned beer.
Richard Dunwoody