In training for tomorrow's Mongol Derby start

Qatar Racing's team of Mongol Derby riders is counting down the hours to the start of the race tomorrow.

After meeting up in Ulan Bator at the weekend the 43 competitors took a four-hour bus ride out to the steppe for final training. This has involved sitting on some of the native ponies they will ride in the 1,000km event, becoming familiar with GPS systems and generally coming to terms with the reality of life in the wilderness.

That involves some pretty basic facilities and wide swings in temperatures. The photograph below is of jockey's valet Chris Maude during last year's race - looks like he's having a great time.

Qatar Racing's David Redvers and Kevin Darley are raising money for the Injured Jockeys' Fund, while Peter Molony is boosting funds for Irish Injured Jockeys.

Support the cause and Qatar Racing's 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.

Further updates on the team's progress will be posted as news unfurls.

Thank you for your support.

Photograph: The Adventurists/Richard Dunwoody