2019 Mongol Derby: RACE UPDATE - Day 9

Welcome to the update from Day 9!

While the first eleven riders enjoyed the comforts of hot showers, flushing loos and the amazing mobile bar (ordered by the Adventurists and somehow conjured up by Erik) last night, there were plenty of riders still out on the field.

Whether they were pushing hard and determined to race every last second like Benjamin Materna & Linda Vegher, taking the time to enjoy the experience of a lifetime like the banter twins, or fighting for an official finish like Michael "Indiana" Field, these riders are the Mongol Derby, distilled.  

Yes, it's a race and it's fun to guess who might win.  It's even more fun to feel inspired by success and day dream of one day crossing the line of the Mongol Derby in first place and don't let me get in your way!  Just don't forget the riders still racing - it isn't necessarily fun to hang on like grim death refusing to be ushered into the broom wagon which is no doubt trundling idly at your heels, but it's really rather impressive.  

Crossing the line today, with aching everything and stinking like goat are:

12 - Kelsey Eliot;
13 - Julia Conway;
14 - Katie Angus;
15 - Ben Materna and Linda Vegher;
17 - Sampie Mokoakoe
18 - Linda van Gorkum
19 - Annette Kriller
20 - Rachel Roman

Ben Materna and Linda Vegher, if there were two riders I wish I'd had the foresight to follow it would be you guys!  After such a strong start, then a run of bad luck, you REFUSED to give in.  Ben, may your hair flow ever long and free, tickling the dreams of so many horsey girls and Linda, just be aware that they're out to get you, ok?

Ben & Linda cross the line in the same style that they travelled 1000 kilometres. Thanks to Sarah Farnsworth & the Adventurists for the photo.

And what about the featured riders?

Alanna Watt & Holly Rivett

The banter twins earlier in the race. Thanks to Sarah Farnsworth & the Adventurists for the photo.

And just like that, the adventure was over - Holly & Alanna crossed the line together to the wild shrieks of Molly Pearson's Dad (nope, no idea) and an immediate finish line interview.

Alanna on the horses
I break in baby racehorses for a living. We only canter them for a mile but some of these horses can gallop for 16 miles.  They're amazing for their size and in fact, sometimes the smaller ones are better.

Alanna on the terrain
Most of our getting lost was trying to avoid holes!  We found ourselves in the mountains next to a peak one day!  The day we went to Russia we were trying to cross a river... 

Alanna on falls
I had one very slow motion trip; the horse landed on me but it was so slow it didn't do any damage.  I had one bolter who fell flat on his face, got up and just started galloping again!

Holly on the race
It was amazing.  Really, really tough at some points and I wondered why I was even bothering but we finally got to the finish line and it feel amazing.

Holly on what was hardest
My knees were really, really bad.  A few days ago I got off and could hardly walk but they seem to have adapted and I reckon I would be good to keep going now.

Vet Fred on the banter twins' performance
After an emotional 3am rescue in the pouring rain, Fred was clearly emotional when the ladies came over the line.  His day job is working as an equine vet in Newmarket, the home of British flat racing, and he was clear: the standard of horsemanship and equitation shown by these two was second to none.  Praise indeed you should be very proud of.

Saffers Ride Mongolia

After nine days on the Mongolian steppe, Sampie crossed the line in inimitable style.  He got separated from Wiesman at a late stage and then proceeded to get unbelievably, horrendously lost, but he doesn't look particularly worried about it.

Sampie & Wiesman reunited at the finish line. Thanks to Sarah Farnsworth & the Adventurists for the photo.

Anyway Sampie, getting lost, even in the dying hours of the race, is really, honestly the point. I hope you enjoyed your unplanned excursion - wat'n rit, man!

Michael Field

As Sampie, Alanna and Holly have finished, I am only waiting to cheer the ever charming if increasingly grumbly Michael Field across the finish line.

Mike made it to HS28 last night - how, I have no idea, but what a ride for the penultimate day of the race.

Michael enjoying a beer at HS28 - two legs to go! Thanks to Sarah Farnsworth & the Adventurists for the photo.

I am very much looking forward to cheering Michael over the line tomorrow - go Dr Field!

Over and out x