PETER Molony of Rathmore Stud in Klmallock, Co Limerick, completed the 1,000km Mongol Derby yesterday.

One of 41 riders who began the hazardous trek across the Mongolian plains eight days earlier, Molony finished in joint-11th position.

At least 14 riders had retired from the race and, at time of going to press, another 15 participants had yet to cross the finishing line.

Molony was one of four Qatar Racing representatives taking part in the event. David Redvers finished seventh, while both Sheikh Fahad al-Thani (back injury) and Kevin Darley (dehydrated) were forced to retire. Molony is raising funds for Irish Injured Jockeys.

There was a three-way tie for first place as Australian Will Comiskey, Canadian Heidi Telstad and Marcia Hefker-Miles from the USA stayed together as they crossed the line. Another American, Courtney Kizer, took fourth, while British dressage rider Tatiana Mountbatten was joint-fifth with Kenyan-based Venetia Phillips.

Riders rode at least 27 different horses during the race, changing mounts typically every 40km.

They were in the saddle for up to 13 hours a day and camped out most nights. Conditions have been particularly bad this year, ranging from extreme heat to torrential rain – and currently it’s very cold!

David Redvers said: “I can honestly say it’s the most amazing experience of my life. The scenery is beyond anything I can imagine, my riding companions were the best fun, but the ponies are the most incredible animals on the planet.

“To ride a Mongolian pony flat out for 15km here is the closest you get to flying. I am completely and totally emotionally drained, but at the same time exhilarated by the experience.”

Web: give.everydayhero.com/ie/mongol-derby-for-the-iijf