The sun returned to shine down on us by the end of Day 3 on the 2024 Mongol Derby, and sets on another day of excellent racing, outstanding sportsmanship and a healthy dose of mayhem. Our leading riders have had a long, fast day in the saddle to cover some serious ground, propelling themselves from their campsite just beyond HS6 last night all the way to HS10. A 4 horse station day is no mean feat, especially when accounting for a high mountain pass and one emergency ejection along the way. But so far, the three frontrunners have managed to dodge any major drama: Josh Edwards (JED), Missy Morgan (MMO) and Sam Jones (SJO) are fast morphing into a three-pronged lean, mean Derby machine. But have they formed a firm enough bond to bind them through the ups and downs which are surely still to come over the remaining 19 horse stations, or are they all still harbouring personal hopes of clinching victory for themselves? Only time will tell.

The trio are in literal paradise tonight: HS10 may be on the of the most unbelievably stunning Derby spots we’ve ever stationed ourselves at, if we do say so ourselves. Nestled in a dreamlike valley on the banks of a sparkling lake with a backdrop of rolling hills, a closer thing to horsey heaven we never did see. Vet Katie was beside herself when she arrived there this morning. Our crew are always several steps ahead of riders, and vets are dispatched up the course in good time to carefully check all the horses who’ll be running the next leg, making sure they’re up for the task. Once finished tending to all the Derby contenders today, Katie wasted no time in offering her services to the resident herders for their remaining horses. After treating a lame horse with a swollen knee, a prized naadam horse suffering from a reactive wolf tooth and performing two general MOTs on some horses due to race next week, she had well and truly won the hearts of minds of all the herders. Her reward: a handmade bridle from a very chuffed owner. While we’re here for the Derby, we also make sure we do our utmost to help where we can with any animal in need of some extra TLC. Job done.

Our leaders have more than earned the decent view for the evening. Up at sparrow fart this morning to tend to their horses, the trio, who had also spent the night in the company of Lola Day (LRD) in their cosy goat shed, wasted no time in getting a wiggle on. They were rolling into HS7 by just past 8:30AM this morning. JED beat the girls to it by 7 minutes, but all three vetted through soundly and refuelled efficiently before redrawing and mounting up to set sail for HS8. SJO made a dramatic exit: her pick initially made a concerted effort to test her mettle and chuck her off. Luckily, SJO rode it out in style and the herder managed to hold on from the ground. She’d passed the test, and clearly earned her horse’s respect: she later declared him her best Derby horse so far, who’d got his head down and led the team the whole way there at a serious pace. LRD trailed them in at 9:33 with a smile on her face and a friendly “Sain baina uu!” (“Hello!” in Mongolian), commenting that her horse was a gentleman but slightly on the slower side. She’s lost contact with the lead for now, but spends the evening at HS9, just a 1 station gap behind the leaders. From what we’ve seen of her so far, we doubt she’s going to give up on chasing them down without a fight.

JED, SJO and MMO had a fairly straight forward day, if we discount JED’s tumble. While tanking alone with the girls, the former rodeo pickup rider found himself in need of scooping up himself, when he was unceremoniously ditched by his ride. MMO and SJO to the rescue: the girls swiftly recaptured his bronco, and reunited the pair to ride on as one. All three riders claim they’re not sure if they’re really in a committed race-ationship yet, but if they keep selfless acts of rescue like that up we reckon they’re well on the way to becoming official. All three rolled into HS10 tonight in excellent spirits, with MMO greeting her awaiting fans, although all feeling a little sore: Derby Day 3 is famously the hardest day of all. Everything hurts, you’re not even that far round yet, and the body still thinks if it complains enough there’s a chance the head might stop this insanity. But never fear, by Day 4 the body usually takes the hint and realises the head is just not listening, and most aches and pains fade away.

Behind them in the heart of the Derby, we’ve had an action packed day, as usual. Josh Dales (JDA) and Margaret Holloway (MGO) continue on their steam roller of a ride, flying up the field to reach a divine campsite beyond HS9 tonight. They’re now closest to the leaders, with less than a horse station between them: nothing in the Derby scheme of things. They’ve formed a formidable alliance, impressing both herders and crew with their calm, gritty riding. JDA in particular had a perfect opportunity to prove himself this morning. Still endearingly optimistic about steppe time keeping, he was up at 5am to ensure a safe departure from HS6 by 7am. Naturally, the horses didn’t put in an appearance until 6:55AM, so a punctual exit seemed improbable. Fortunately, JDA was assured his pick was a certified rocket: no time would be lost. He even had the telltale tuft of forelock left of his otherwise cropped mane, which signifies to the eagle eye that this horse is a racer. During naadam, herders tend to tie racehorses’ forelocks up in a sweet little Trollz-style updo. Unfortunately, this hairdo also often signifies that getting on is going to be a risky business. And so it proved. JDA was initially thrilled with his draw and thanked the owner profusely, but tacking up was tricky. He managed it after a brief tussle, and despite the horse’s body language screaming “Ride me and weep, buddy”, he gamely swung up there to take his chances.

JDA did everything right: heels down, sit back, look up. But there was quite frankly no way anybody could have ridden this one out. Some days you’re a rider, and others you’re a crash dummy. We’ve all been there. Luckily, his victorious steed’s parting shot did not make contact.

The little toerag showed off his famed pace by disappearing over the horizon in a matter of seconds, leaving JDA to stand forlornly by the horse lines praying for a miraculous reunion with his equipment. The Derby gods took mercy, and shortly thereafter a young herder appeared with horse and kit in tow. His own much more reliable and experienced mount was caught on camera shooting the escapee a few reproachful glares much to the rogue’s embarrassment, before JDA saddled his new, more obliging mount to fly out of HS6. What a morning, and it wasn’t even 8AM.

JDA’s riding buddy MGO had a slower start, having to serve her penalty from last night before tacking up and moving out. As usual, she wasted no time, and flew up the course to catch up with JDA by HS7. The pair have settled in for the night in an unbelievable camp spot, nearly as lush as HS10 itself. Poised in the perfect position for a bid for the lead tomorrow, they’ll be hoping for a good night’s sleep to set them up for the day ahead.

Aside from saving JDA’s bacon, our hosts at HS6 were winning everyone’s hearts with their amazing horses, great sense of humour and gourmet catering. Brydie Black (BBL) was snapped making the most of the latter this morning, which included an impressive array of traditional Mongolian curd, made entirely by hand. Some of our own crew, in such a hurry to reach the station, took a fateful shortcut on the way there this morning. Straight into a bog they went, and required a rescue operation to reach their destination. As if that wasn’t enough, they then suffered a flat tyre later today. It’s not just the riders who sometimes have a shocker on the steppe.

Almira Zakiyeva (AZA), Gianna Aycock (GAK) and Colby Coltrain (CCO) all arrived safe and sound into HS6 this morning shortly after, and were in and out in a jiff, leapfrogging the riders still stuck there munching their way through their penalties. They’ve had another cracking day’s riding, all making it into HS9 alongside Grace Neuhaus (GNE), LRD and Augustus Read (ARE). GNE and her riding partner of the last few days Bert Read (BRE) had a parting of the ways at HS6. Although GNE initially had to watch him blast out of there without her, she was hot on his heels and had the last laugh: he’s camped out behind her between HS8 and HS9. Plus, she’s just swapped out one Read for another in the form of campmate ARE.

Slightly further back between HS8 and HS9 and camping on his tod tonight, BRE beds down for a night under the stars. He may well be wondering what’s become of his brothers. The last of the Read trio, Charles Read (CRE) is also spending a night alone on the steppe, and has had a slightly difficult day. He rolled into HS6 this morning riding in good company alongside Grey Godsal (GGO), Annabelle Heffron (AHE) and Corrina Leeflang (CLE). Unfortunately, his horse’s heart rate remained a little elevated, and didn’t come down in time to pass the vet check. This earned CRE his second vet penalty of the Derby, which means he had to sit out a bruising 3 hours at HS6. Vet penalties in the Derby become longer the more you acquire. Second time round earns you 3 hours, third time 4 hours, and on the 4th strike you’re out: disqualification from the Derby. That’s not to say getting a vet penalty is necessarily your fault. Many a vet has apologised to a rider for having to give them a penalty for a horse with a heart rate resting stubbornly at 57bpm who’s otherwise completely fine, relaxed and fresh. Fairly often, it’s just rotten luck. But, rules are rules, and we keep them there for the good of the horses. CRE knows this, but it didn’t make it any easier to swallow. He stuck loyally by his horse’s side until he passed through healthy and happy, but did get snapped shooting evils at the back of the offending vet. Penalty served, he raced out of HS6 in hot pursuit of his siblings.

Camping nearby CRE tonight are all those nutters who thought the Derby sounded like the ideal family holiday: sisters Hannah (HMO) and Claire Morgan (CMO), and dad and daughter Terje (TGI) and Elli Gilje (EGI). HMO and CMO will be hoping for a better night’s sleep than last night, when the occupiers of the ger they were sleeping in had unexpectedly returned home at 1am keen for a party. EGI has earned herself some serious brownie points with dad today, electing to stick by TGI’s side when he incurred his first vet penalty of the Derby. She sat out the 2 hours with him, and they continued on together side by side. Heartwarming stuff. The family affair has also been crashed by Yolande Steyn (YST), who also spent last night out camping with Sophie de Rouet (SDR). They had spent a decent chunk of time yesterday riding in circles through a bog, so she was pleased to spend more time back on dry land today.

HMO and CMO’s camping buddy last night Bindi Boshammer (BBO) rolled into HS6 with them this morning, but decided at that point to take a little time out and hitch a ride forward up the field. She’s in great spirits, but has a bit of a cold, so made the sensible decision to sit this one out. She’s happy as larry at HS7, now in Adventure Category and keen to ride again when she feels a little stronger. Speaking of other riders taking a time out, Monica Erickson (MER) and Shelby Van Weelden (SVW) are both enjoying a short holiday from the steppe for some extremely precautionary medical check ups, after feeling a little worse for wear. They’re both doing well and will be heading back out to the Derby to join the party in Adventure Category as soon as possible. The irrepressible CLE is certainly making the most of it: she rode out from HS5 today despite a slight fever, but had to turn on account of a dodgy saddlebag. With an army of helpful herders swarming in to save the day, she’s ridden on strong and is spending the night at HS8, yet to be seen without a massive smile on her face. That’s the Derby spirit.

Elsewhere in the field, BBL, Ross Colbert (RCO) and Marieke Schebeli (MSC) have won the camping jackpot and are camped out somewhere between HS8 and HS9 with an incredibly accommodating family. Apprehended by her victim CRE at HS6 today while sitting out her penalties from yesterday, MSC has reluctantly had to swap back his stolen bag for her own. Apparently she was thrilled to discover CRE’s air mattress last night. RCO also made good use of his enforced time out this morning, becoming firm friends with his hosts before tacking up and scooting along.

Head Vet Fred was on hand to welcome camping duo Billy Crouch (BCR) and Kelly Dudley (KDU) to the newly renamed ‘Health Spa 5″ this morning, and had also been on standby to come to SDR’s rescue and replace her broken bridle. BCR and KDU have set a serious pace today, flying up the field to land at their rather plush barn for the evening. BCR in particular was thrilled to have made up some ground by the time he got to HS6, and to prove to the onlookers his creaky Day 3 knees were in fact still functioning. Also checking in alongside them was AHE, fast becoming a crew and fellow rider favourite with her perpetual sunny demeanour. BCR and KDU temporarily split up today when KDU pulled a steady mover, but she caught up again when BCR found himself and his horse belly deep in bog which started “a little soft then got a lot soft” when trying to cut a navigational corner. Safely extricated, the duo are back together and safely camped out for the night in a shed which feels like the “Hilton” of the steppe.

Ahead of them at HS6 this morning was Gideon Kotkowski (GKO), rocking up fresh from a night out camping with GNE and Alyssa Cederstrand (ACE). GKO has been winning many new friends as he sweeps across the steppe, charming everyone with his infectious good mood and deep respect for the herders. Or at least he was, until his fresh steed rudely flattened one of GKO’s new mates in his excitement to get going, and high tailed it straight out of there to gun for HS7. Awkward. (Disclaimer: no human was harmed in the making of this blog, and the author may have embellished this incident for comic effect – GKO is a top banana and apologised profusely on his horse’s behalf. Please do not sue me.)

Inspired by GKO’s ruthlessness, Marni Hamilton (MHA) also had a serious game face on today. Hustling hard through all the stations and riding with some serious pace, she’s made it all the way to HS8, positioning herself within the first half of the field. Nicely done. GGO was also keen to get trucking today, and has pulled some feisty horses off the line to aid his campaign. First picking out a dotty dude at HS6, his mount looked a little unsure of his prospective jockey. As we’re coming to expect of his calm, understated horsemanship – wise far beyond his 19 years – he hopped on calmly and piloted his edgy equine out onto the step. He had a similarly spicy mount at HS7, but once again guided him out in perfect style. A consummate professional.

Although GGO is a little disappointed to be camping out tonight short of HS8, we’re confident the Derby gods will see fit to reward him tomorrow. While riding with AHE, GGO elected to stay with her for an hour and a half when her horse felt a little worse for wear en route to HS7 today. Sacrificing his own prospects to stay loyal and ensure the horse was safe, he takes home the Dude of the Day prize and a lot of respect. Keep it up GGO, there’s plenty time still to catch ’em.

The thrills and spills continue with the rest of the the field. Ying Jiang (YHI), Peter Dargie (PDA) and Fred Berry (FBE) got up close and personal last night with their host family, when they were all crammed into the same ger overnight. YJI somehow lost a glove today, but medic Andy came to the rescue and cobbled together a perfect replacement with vet wrap. Turns out that past life as a boxer is coming in very useful. Kat Sibley (KSI) has ridden another fantastic day, but we did catch her exuding serious ‘Day 3’ vibes towards the end of the day. Chin up KSI, it’ll all feel better tomorrow.

And with that, we wrap up the day’s report and leave you with some more wonderful photos from our team. The high mountain pass between HS8 and HS9 could yet prove influential for those riders yet to reach HS9, while plenty of competitive and refreshed riders lie just shy of the leaders. Tomorrow is set to be a big one.

Photo credits: Kathy Gabriel, Tulgaa Skizz, Andy Fraser, Monica Chincilla

Day 3 Close of Play

HS10: JED, MMO, SJO

Between HS9 – HS10: JDA, MGO

HS9: ARE, AZA, CCO, GAK, GNE, LRD

Between HS8 – HS9: ACE, BBL, BRE, KWE, MSC, RCO

HS8: EWA, GKO, MHA (Adv Cat: CLE)

Between HS7 – HS8: AHE, BCR, CMO, CRE, EGI, GGO, HMO, KDU, KSI, SDR, TGI, YST

HS7: FBE, PDA, SDE, YJI (Adv Cat: CAS, BBO)

Adventure Category: CAS, CLE, BBO

Retired: CWI

Off steppe: MER, SVW

Penalties

Vet penalties: CRE (3 hrs), SDE (3 hrs), TGI (3 hrs), YJI (3 hrs)

Outside assistance: BBO (Adv Cat)

Failure to get Vet Card signed: FBE (2 hrs)