Sheikh Fahad out of Mongol Derby

Qatar Racing's six-strong Mongol Derby team lost another member yesterday when Sheikh Fahad retired on day five of the event - however, a report that Chips Broughton was also out proved greatly exaggerated, and two other team members have passed through the half-way mark in the 1,000km marathon.

David Redvers and Peter Molony arrived at Urtuu (station) 17 of 27, one Urtuu behind a posse of six riders who lead the race.

Redvers has clocked up 599.52km, while Molony had travelled slightly further at 613.62km presumably he took a wrong turn at some point, or Redvers found a shorter route.

The other Qatar Racing team member still in the race is Gareth Jones (523.6km) - Chips Broughton took a fall after Urtuu 14, sought shelter in a local house, and, after medics checked him over, was deemed unfit to continue. However, this morning, (Tuesday 09.00 UK time) race organisers reported he had been medically cleared to continue and was going well with Jones. Sheikh Fahad was facing two three-hour penalties, and following a fall on day five he pulled out at Urtuu 11. This morning he is said to be heading back to Ulan Baator for 'R n R'.

The withdrawals highlight the gruelling nature of the Mongol Derby, and the luck or otherwise that competitors experience when choosing ponies (every 40km) at each Urtuu.

Please support our Mongol Derby riders for their efforts and help them raise money for injured jockeys on both sides of the Irish Sea simply click 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.

Peter Molony is raising money for Irish Injured Jockeys you can donate to his charity via https://give.everydayhero.com/ie/mongol-derby-for-the-iijf

Photo of Sheikh Fahad : Dunwoody/Adventurists