The Gaucho Derby
The Gaucho Derby More Info
Imagine yourself thundering deep into the wilds of Patagonia on horseback. You’ve got your steed and you’re navigating across some of the wildest terrain on earth attempting to win one of the toughest and most unusual equine challenges in history.
After running the Mongol Derby for over a decade we knew it was time to grow the new sport of ultra-endurance horse racing we had created so we went in search of the next world beating adventure. We’ve not replicated The Mongol Derby with new scenery but designed a new race from the ground up – based on the landscape, culture, history and horses of Patagonia and the Gauchos. This is the greatest test of horsemanship and wilderness skills on earth. This is the Gaucho Derby.
1. Where and when
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Day O
Arrive in El Calafate
All riders need to arrive by the evening in time for the compulsory start of pre-race training the following morning.
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Day 1
PRE-RACE TRAINING DAY 1
A full day of training at our base in El Calafate completing any final race admin, distributing race packs, conducting rider weigh in and tech/comms training.
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Day 2
PRE-RACE TRAINING DAY 2
Travel to start camp (6 - 8 hour journey); settle into camp; more briefings.
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Day 3
PRE-RACE TRAINING DAY 3
Navigation briefing, course briefing, receive your tack, meet the horses, do your first practice navigation rides and test out all of your kit including the tech and comms units we’ve given you. Wilderness survival and veterinary briefings followed by additional navigation rides with vet checks along the way. Further kit and equipment testing and set up.
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Day 4
PRE-RACE TRAINING DAY 4
Wilderness survival and final navigation rides with vet checks along the way. Final kit and equipment testing and set up. Medical and Rider Welfare Briefing.
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LAUNCH DAY
Final kit check and it's off into the Patagonian wilderness!
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Day 14
RACE FINISH, CEREMONY & PARTY
Final race day and closing ceremonies at our remote finish camp in El Chalten and the party of all parties to celebrate your brilliance in taking on the gauntlet of the Gaucho Derby.
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Day 15
RETURN TO EL CALAFATE
Buses will depart in the morning from Finish Camp back to El Calafate.