Day 4 of the 2024 Mongol Derby, and the heat is on. The morning dawned clear and crisp, not a cloud in the sky. The weather held all day, with the sun beating down on hot and bothered horses and riders by the afternoon. The tension has risen along with the thermometer. Some unlucky vet penalties have led to a dramatic split in the leading pack at the head of the race, and also given others riding hard to catch up with them a chance to disrupt the rankings. Missy Morgan (MMO) finds herself camped out in the wilds tonight with only her noble steed for company, breaking away from former co-leaders Sam Jones (SJO) and Josh Edwards (JED): will she manage to cling on to her freshly seized lead, or will the weight of riding alone prove too much? Riding solo, and especially at the front, can be a draining experience. Think of it like bike racing right at the front of the peloton the whole way, rather than having team mates to take turns battling into the headwind. Sometimes your horse won’t travel as well as it would in company and requires a lot more encouragement, being solely responsible for every navigational decision can be draining, and if the worst does happen and you take a tumble you’re going to be hard pushed to catch a loose horse alone. As we approach the halfway mark of the race, anything could happen.

Our three overnight race leaders rose before the sun this morning, drinking in the unforgettable views over the lake at HS10 along with photographer Kathy. These three are becoming extremely efficient operators, up with plenty of time to get gear packed, breakfast down the hatch and morning yoga ticked off before tacking up and hitting the steppe for 7am on the nose. This morning’s horse draw went extremely smoothly, and the trio shot out the station to make for HS11. The team at HS10 were left behind to prepare for the incoming horde today, while one curious resident was spotted examining the media crew’s mysterious Starlink.

Things seemed to be going smoothly, almost suspiciously so: the gang cruised through HS11 in a flash with no hassle, and were off on the way to 12. As usual, they appeared on the horizon as a team, and arrived at the station in quick succession to be greeted by vet Don. MMO vetted through fine and dandy, but SJO and JED – now known as ‘Maverick’ amongst the crew – were in trouble. Their horses’ heart rates were cycling up and down, and wouldn’t stay at the required 56bpm or below to pass the vet check. The mood was tense: SJO and JED did everything they could, cooling their horses and letting them graze calmly. But it was no good: both remained agonisingly just above 56bpm. The mountainous terrain between HS11 and HS12 had taken its toll.

Reluctantly, MMO was left with no option but to saddle up and continue on without her buddies. Off she went into the distance, as Mav and SJO were left behind to contemplate what went wrong for a bruising two hours. But all was not lost: such was their lead from the day before that by the time their penalties had elapsed there was still no chasing rider within sight of HS12. Both tacked up and rode out on strong looking mounts, following in the hoofprints of their teammate. The pair stuck together to arrive into HS13 early this evening, leaving just enough time for a quick turn around before sneaking out to continue tracking MMO who was already safely through the station. But disaster struck again for SJO, when her horse trotted up lame for the vet. Her second vet penalty of the day, her 3 hours began to run at 17:45. Penalty time outs only count during racing hours, so she has another 1hr and 45 mins to sit out at HS12 tomorrow morning before she can draw her horse at 8:45 and give chase. Derby drama: nobody is immune.

Keen to push on and try to hunt down MMO, JED mounted up and pelted out the station with half an hour of ride time left to go. His efforts have paid off this evening: he’s somehow stumbled on perhaps the plushest campsite on the steppe, complete with double mattress and a personal chocolate supply with a wonderfully generous host family. MMO has set up camp out in the wilds on an island between river channels roughly 10km short of HS14, forcing vet Tim to get his feet wet in order to reach her horse for his evening check over. Interestingly however, JED made a very different navigational decision from MMO. The two riders left the station on curiously different trajectories: who’s navigational nous will prove the faster tomorrow?

While the drama at the head of the race heats up, the chasing pack are fighting some exciting battles of their own. Closing in fast on SJO at HS13 is Almira Zakiyeva (AZA), having a consistently impressive ride to cover tremendous ground while maintaining her calm demeanour along the way. Doing Kazakhstan mighty proud, we’d say. She’s in excellent company with Grace Neuhaus (GNE) and Lola Day (LRD), also riding stormers today to claw their way up the field. LRD has done fantastically well to advance her position despite incurring a vet penalty for a horse which trotted up lame at HS10 when she arrived this morning. Tough to swallow, but she high tailed it out of there on a handsome grey while keeping an eye on her navigation, which seems to have served her well today. Pleased to have avoided any such vet issues at the same station and keep her vet card squeaky clean was GNE. By the end of the day she retains her perfect vet record, maintained today after jumping off her mount on the way into HS12 today when she noticed he was a bit footsore. She duly trudged the remaining few kilometres into the station on foot to keep the pressure off her mount even wading across a stream for his sake, much to the surprise of some intrigued onlookers.

Also sharing their campsite tonight are Josh Dales (JDA) and Margaret Holloway (MGO), continuing their campaign to clinch the lead. Both had a soggy start to the day, when they took the alternative route on the way into HS10 and ended up going for a dip in the lake and a splash through a bog. Despite losing a rather costly hour and a bit of time, they’re still within very dangerous range of the frontrunners. After JDA’s escapades yesterday, it was MGO’s turn to ride out some fun: her draw at HS10 was full of beans this morning and jumped for joy a little too exuberantly on her way out of the station, but she rode it out like a pro much to the delight of the onlooking crew and herder squad. JDA meanwhile had an easier ride of it, stuffing his face with pizza miraculously procured by the crew before joining MGO to continue on their way together.

Also still very much in contention are Augustus Read (ARE), Gianna Aycock (GAK) and Colby Coltrain (CCO), sharing HS12 with an exceptionally hospitable host family tonight. Vet Don reported that the herders here are so committed to their horses that one of them sleeps out with them on the lines at night, keeping an ear open for any trouble. They shouldn’t have any issues getting saddled up and out of there by 7am tomorrow, which is just as well as all three mean serious business. They’re all owed a smooth start to Day 4: today has not been an easy ride. ARE’s horse out of HS10 decided he had better things to do today then travelling to HS11, and ditched ARE soon after departure. Undaunted, ARE brushed himself off and marched back to the station on foot, to be reunited with his gear and hitch a new ride. There he met a familiar face: brother Bert Read (BRE) had caught up, and was also at HS10. Happily reunited, the two struck out together to make for HS11. Sadly for BRE, he couldn’t quite keep up with ARE’s pace today and makes his bed tonight at HS11, one station behind his elder brother.

Meanwhile, fiancés CCO and GKA have proven the strength of their relationship today, after a trial that would test any romance. GAK’s mount was speedy and fit, which would have been wonderful news if her riding partner CCO hadn’t drawn the newly christened “Squishmellow”, who proved to be anything but. CCO reported good old Squishy had been perfect for the first 2km, but the remaining 37km to go until HS10 had been somewhat leisurely. On the plus side, CCO noted, “You could do anything you want on him, except go far or fast.” 5 star kids pony; last thing you want on the Mongol Derby. To add insult to injury, when the pair stopped to give Squishmellow a drink at a stream, GAK made to dismount from her own pony. Clearly bored by the pace and seeing his opportunity to show his speed, he leapt away from her as she hit the ground, and dragged her some distance before GAK decided to choose life and let go. Some good samaritans gave chase and managed to herd him back to her, but the damage was done: HS9 to HS10 proved the slowest leg of their Derby so far. Never ones to complain or mope, they wasted no time in hustling on to their next horses and hitting the gas, riding a rapid couple of legs from HS10 to reach HS12 tonight. We’re thinking fast thoughts for tomorrow, guys.

One station back at HS11, and the horde have descended. 12 riders are cramming in here for the night, many of whom have had dramatic days. Brydie Black (BBL) swapped horsepower for a short ride on a motorbike today, when she lost her horse briefly just out of HS9 and hitched a speedy and more reliable ride back to camp. She also lost her saddlebag in the process, but was happily reunited with it when reaching HS11 tonight. Kelly Westlake (KWE) almost got herself hired as a herder today, when she shot off in hot pursuit of Emma Watson’s (EWA) errant steed onboard what looked like a lean mean running machine. Impressive skills. Everyone else is still riding strong and hard, keeping themselves within reach of the chasing pack. As we’ve seen today, nobody is immune from a shock penalty or ploddy pony: the race is still very much wide open.

Grey Godsal (GGO) in particular is still hustling hard: he was wasting no time on breathing between mouthfuls this morning on arriving into HS8 with camping buddy Annabelle Heffron (AHE) and Billy Crouch (BCR) (we note Horse Manager Ben is also apparently working up an appetite).

AHE had a disappointing arrival into HS10 this morning, where she picked up her second vet penalty and had to sit out three hours of racing. She’s safe and sound at HS10 tonight, alongside another 12 riders. BCR is making the most of the crew on hand, having roped in lovely translator Ariuntungalag to help mend his “extremely expensive” rain pants, which are taking a battering. Charles Read (CRE), Elli Gilje (EGI), Terje Gilje (TGI), Claire Morgan (CMO) and Hannah Morgan (HMO) banded together this morning to form the Famous Five, and were seen motoring along in ecstasy heading for HS8, enjoying the lush valleys and rolling hills.

At reaching HS7 this morning, Peter Dargie (PDA) decided to take a break from riding for a leg or two, and elected to join Adventure Category. Also taking the same decision today are Ying Jiang (YJI), Fred Berry (FBE), Sarah Delia (SDE) and Kat Sibley (KSI). All are feeling fine and are looking forward to getting back in the saddle when they’re ready for it, but have decided riding some rather than the whole Derby course suits them just fine. We look forward to seeing them galloping across the steppe again shortly. Bindi Boshammer (BBO) is spending a short while back in the comforts of start camp, while she recovers from a nasty cough. We’re very excited to welcome Shelby Van Weelden (SVW) and Monica Erickson (MER) back to the course tomorrow, now cleared by medics and raring to rejoin the action.

A special shout out goes to Emma Watson (EWA) for Trooper of the Day award. She had a fantastic start to the day this morning, drawing an amazing stallion to blast her up the field from HS8 to HS9, overtaking many a disbelieving rider in the process. She had high hopes of riding a 4 station day today, but things went pear shaped when her horse out of HS9 stuck its hoof down a hole and sent her flying. KWE stepped in to save the day and get EWA back on track, now sporting an impressive battle scar. Undaunted, she pushed to HS10, but was stopped in her tracks by an unfortunate vet penalty. 3 hours later, she headed out, determined to make up some ground. She spends the night camped with Corrina Leeflang (CLE), well on her way to HS11. Well done EWA, you’re one tough cookie.

And so the drama unfolded on Day 4 of the Derby. With the lead riders nearing the midway point, we’re approaching the sharp end of the race. Everyone’s becoming a seasoned Derby pro, racing through horse stations and packed and ready to go at 6:30AM in the morning. But there’s plenty obstacles still to come. HS14 coming up tomorrow could prove a game changer, the home of incredible trick riding herders and some seriously speedy steeds. Vet Tim reported back to HQ today that the horses are ready to go, and they’re feeling feisty. Could taming one of these dragons be the boost some of our riders need to change their Derby fortunes? Check back in tomorrow to find out.

Photo credits: Kathy Gabriel, Tulgaa Skizz, Tim Lee, Louise Crosbie

Day 4 Close of Play

Between HS13 – HS14: JED, MMO

HS13: SJO

Between HS12 – HS13: AZA, GNE, JDA, LRD, MGO

HS12: ARE, CCO, GAK

HS11: ACE, BBL, BRE, GGO, GKO, KWE, MHA, MSC, RCO, SDR (Adv Cat: CAS, KSI)

Between HS10 – HS11: EWA (Adv Cat: CLE)

HS10: AHE, BCR, CMO, CRE, EGI, HMO, KDU, TGI, YST (Adv Cat: FBE, PDA, SDE, YJI)

Adventure Category: BBO, CAS, CLE, FBE, KSI, MER, PDA, SDE, SVW, YJI

Retired: CWI

Penalties

Vet penalties: AHE (3 hrs), BCR (3 hrs), EWA (3 hrs), JED (2 hrs), LRD (2 hrs), SJO (2 hrs + 3 hrs)

Outside assistance: TGI (2 hrs), YST (2 hrs)