Darley out as Mongol Derby pain heats up

Qatar Racing's Kevin Darley has withdrawn from the 2016 Mongol Derby on day two of the event.

Dehydration and painful knees were factors in his decision to step down, although he will remain with the field as part of the backup crew for Qatar Racing's remaining team members. David Redvers has posted a photo on Twitter of the team's first night accommodation - an abandoned van/bus - of which he says: "Very lucky to stay there as it pissed with rain." He added: "Nothing prepares you for how stunning this place is or how tough the people and their horses are.

"We are really feeling it now but we're still in the game."

Competitors in the 1,000km event have to pass through 27 stations to reach the finish, and after day two the leaders have reached station 7 - there have been falls, and various time penalties. The Qatar Racing team's position will be updated when known.

Qatar Racing is raising money for injured jockeys. Please donate to support the cause and our Mongol Derby riders by clicking on their 'Just Giving' page at the following link https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/QatarRacing. You can do so at any time during the race, and the page will remain open after it is completed.

Photo below shows Qatar Racing teamsters Kevin Darley (left, before he withdrew) and Gareth Jones (centre) and individual rider Pierce Buckingham - copyright Richard Dunwoody/The Adventurists