While the battle for first place in the 2025 Mongol Derby may have been decided yesterday, Day 9 saw a whopping 19 more of our intrepid riders make it home to finish camp to complete the adventure of a lifetime. While 13 of those riders were still riding for a competitive placing, we were mighty proud to welcome 6 of our Adventure Class riders across the line too. Some were even reunited with family and friends for whom following along at home wasn’t enough. There were tears, there was signing, there were bear hugs and emotional reunions. Welcome home, legends. Time to party.

Kicking off this morning’s celebrations were Sam Phelps (SPH) and Dennis Alverson (DAL), who packed up their sleeping bags for the last time this morning and dashed in to finish camp for a proper breakfast by 8:05AM to claim joint 5th place. Within sight of the line they mounted up again having walked their horses in, to become the first riders this year to fly across the line with cowboy flair. Awaiting them was the warmest of welcomes, and even a touching reunion for SPH: his aunt and uncle had flown all the way from Australia to meet him here in his moment of glory. For DAL, it was all too much. A few tears escaped from behind his shades, as he clung to his final horse, lost for words.

The entire crew and the riders already at finish camp turned out in force to applaud their achievement, as SPH was presented with a long-awaited coffee and DAL thanked everyone for their support between his sobs. Michael Pollard (MPO) had plenty to thank DAL for himself. Now unrecognisable from yesterday following a shower and a good night’s sleep, he was keen to show his appreciation for DAL’s skills and companionship during the Derby: “This guy pulled me through six stations. He’s the best.” Cheers to that – we’d say so too. These two have both ridden mighty impressive races, right up at the front the whole way. Never a cross word was said to fellow rider or crew, and they’ve both displayed enviable riding skills and all round horsemanship. SPH has even managed to make it round without a single vet penalty, evidence of his superb horse handling. Off they went to the breakfast table, before being hastily encouraged to take a shower by those in their vicinity.

We didn’t have long to wait before the next dots appeared on the horizon. At 8:50AM, the steppe’s Golden Couple Brandon Fiore (BFI) and Lucy Fiore (LFI) rode up to the flags, grinning ear to ear and riding hand in hand, the perfect way to end a fantastic ride that has seen them scoop joint 7th place. BFI had such a great time he was champing at the bit to get back in the saddle. LFI may take a bit more persuading. Their riding skills (and occasionally their marriage) have certainly been tested  by a hefty number of frisky mounts, and the pair of them have proven themselves to be absolute consummate horsemen. And – most importantly – all round 10/10 human beings. BFI is also in possession of the Derby Golden Ticket: a coveted clean vet card. Huge congrats to our very own Barbie and Ken on a phenomenal ride.

Next up in the running for an official placing, Blake McCusker (BMC) and Kami Bitting (KBI) flew up the course from HS26 to join the party by 3:06PM to claim joint 9th. In his excitement to reach the finish line, BMC had a narrow escape at HS28 when he hared off before signing out. Luckily, he realised his mistake, and came screeching back in to put pen to paper before revving up the engine for the last leg of the Derby. His final Derby curveball came just a few moments later, when his stirrup finally gave out and flew away. KBI thought fast: throwing him her spare strap, he quickly improvised a rope loop to do the job. Derby ingenuity, down the very last.

Loyal companions for the last few days, the pair walked across the line together as the skies darkened and the winds picked up to make our finish line flags look absolutely life-threatening to all horses. BMC and KBI managed to keep theirs in check, and crossed to general joy and whooping from everyone around. BMC even abruptly burst into song, and had a strong review of the Derby to share with his wife back home, cold beer in hand: “Rough, tough but worth it. Chafing in areas I didn’t even know I had. And I’ll be a better man for it.” We can’t ask for much more than that (except perhaps less chafing). Both cleared the vet quickly to celebrate. Horses safely returned to the horse lines, they headed off to find some clean clothes.

As the day wore on, our next superstars to make it home were Elizabeth Ingvaldson (EIN) and Kat Buccelli (KBU), who rode across the line at 17:25 sporting their trademark Derby warpaint (zinc suncream). Accepting their traditional welcome blessing complete with airag and blue sash – the colour of the heavens – we were feeling a little emotional. EIN’s sister and mother were enveloping her in huge bear hugs while she gushed about how incredible the Derby had been, and KBU was visibly overcome with the realisation that she’d actually made it home. “I can’t believe I’ve done it. This is the biggest achievement of my life.” We’d certainly agree with that: they’ve both just completed the world’s longest, toughest horse race, and been absolute angels the whole way through. But clearly not quite tough enough. Both were adamant their bodies felt great, and they’d happily ride out again tomorrow. Let’s see how you feel once the adrenaline’s worn off, ladies.

Next on the horizon were loyal companions Ali Woodward (AWO) and Melissa Montgomery (MMO), riding in strong as ever. Today hadn’t been quite as smooth a ride as they’d hoped: an errant steed on the way to HS28 had temporarily thrown their hopes of a Day 9 finish into jeopardy. Luckily, both horse and rider were present and correct at HS28, where they cleared the vet and swung up on their final Derby partners. Last hiccough out the way, they thundered well across the line united at 5:41PM. So far, in fact, they rather overshot the mark and looked for a second like they would shortly be trampling somebody’s ger. Reining in their exuberant mounts, they dismounted to much fanfare from the waiting crowd.

These two have been such a lesson in the value of true friendship. They came to the Derby together, and vowed to do the whole thing side by side. Through all the ups and downs, unplanned dismounts, slow and fast horses, they’ve faced it all as a team. What an inspiration we’ve been lucky enough to witness. Plus, they’ve both sailed through with zero vet penalties between them. Well done, ladies. A truly special round.

Rounding off today’s finishers for competitive standings, Hugh Wrigley (HWR), Haley Fitzgerald (HFI) and Livi Strang Steel (LSS) swept into camp in unison at 6:13PM. With the winds picking back up, HWR and LSS were able to persuade their sceptical ponies to walk through to the finish line, but HFI did a quick 180 and zoomed back out the way she’d come. A small loop the loop later, and she’d ridden a creative line back to the flags to cross the finish line from the wrong direction. Anything goes, at this stage. Enormous congratulations to them for pushing through another long day from all the way back at HS25 this morning, and surviving some typical steppe excitement.

LSS got one last chance to show off in the saddle this morning at HS28, when her last pick of the Derby leapt into the air like a kangaroo and tore away into the start lines, cheekily trying to clothesline LSS amongst his friends. But he’d picked the wrong jockey. LSS was having none of it. She had not made it this far to be beaten by her 28th horse of the Derby. Defying gravity, she somehow clung on to stay onboard. Some minor tack adjustments later, she was off, calmly piloting her chastened mount into the finish line. Well done, LSS. Serious stickability. To top it off, she also takes home a clean vet card. What a way to wrap things up.

But it wasn’t just our riders still in the competitive race who swept across the line today. Plenty of our Adventure Category jockeys were also back in the saddle, enjoying the last ride into the party atmosphere at finish camp. First across was Lach Mackinnon (LMK), who got back in the saddle at HS28 and stormed up the last leg to ride across the line solo. He’s recovered amazingly from a nasty case of heat stroke which knocked him out the race a few days ago. What an incredible effort he’s made to say an emotional final goodbye to the steppe.

Shortly after him, Dave Finkel (DFI) had also taken up the reins from back at HS27 to smoothly navigate the last two legs of the Derby alongside Cortney Kangas (CKA), Jessica O’Quin (JOQ) and Jenn Laidlaw (JLA). DFI was the first to reach finish camp, and was shortly followed by his riding buddies from this morning. Massive congratulations to all of them for displaying such grit, determination and mental strength to come back from having to take a time out to finish the thing off. You’re all champions in our eyes. For CKA, the day was a particularly special one: she took the chance to wish her husband a happy 23rd wedding anniversary as the crossed the line. An anniversary neither of them will forget.

As yet more of our riders take the longest shower of their lives this evening at start camp, there’s still plenty more fun to come tomorrow as the rest of our field kicks for home to close out the 2025 Mongol Derby. And what fun they’ve been having while doing it.

Frank Furlong (FFU) has now ridden two whopping 4 horse stations days in a row, as he made it into HS28 tonight and is poised to shoot for the line first thing tomorrow morning. And that’s after he got pitched off head first by his first draw this morning, who went on to flatten his owner in his bid for freedom. Wisely, FFU chose life and elected to redraw a much more well-rested and well-adjusted steed. Also chuffed with another great day’s riding is Tom Kompier (TKO), who’s ride into the penultimate station has been his favourite of the Derby by far. No.1 in the horse draw, and No.1 he proved. Could he have the same luck again tomorrow for a sprint finish?

Bianca Farmas-Griffith (BFG) is also now just one more leg from the finish line: it’s looking very much like her third attempt at the Derby will be the charm. She was a very popular guest at HS26 today, where her host family were beside themselves with glee at her Mongolian language skills. Filling up the rest of the rider ger at HS28 tonight, Anna Guony Baldursdottir (AGB), Florian Senger-Weiss (FSW) and Bertie Siggers (BSI) were raring to go this morning from HS24, mounted up and revving their engines at 6:59AM. When the clock hit 7AM they headed out on a stunning morning, also conquering an impressive 4 horse stations today to put them within touching distance of completing the Mongol Derby. BSI seems to be taking after BFG in absorbing Mongolian culture: she was spotted in HS28 this evening cutting around camp in a traditional Mongolian del. Rather fetching, we must say.

Just a little further back, Alison Thomas (ATH) and Gerda Pohl (GPO) are still kicking strong for the line. ATH has had a great day’s riding, and looked fresh as a daisy this morning as she sailed out of HS24 on a handsome and beautifully mannered grey. GPO was spotted scribbling in her diary today, which it turns out she uses to record her memories of every single horse she rides. Already a 2015 Mongol Derby veteran, GPO knew what she was signing up for when she came back. And it’s the magical Mongolian horses. For her, every horse is a special horse and unique in its own way. She loves them all, she insists. Even the one who scraped her off its back against a tree. That’s true love for the horse. Tonight, they savour their final stunning campsite out on the steppe.

Bringing up the rear of the field, Uta Hesterberg (UHE) has once again ridden a full day smiling every second. She was particularly besotted with a rather dashing stallion as she rolled into HS27 this evening, having had a lovely afternoon in the perfect conditions with Esme Waldmann (EWA). EWA has soldiered on again today in Adventure Category despite her sore hand, and is planning to ride out tomorrow to push for the line.

Also with her in Adventure Category are Lieve Donnellan (LDO), Naidene Stander (NUR) and Pippa Henderson (PHE), who’ve been out there in the thick of it riding on strong as much as possible the last few days. Their efforts have been rewarded today, with some of the cutest, cuddliest kids we’ve ever seen.

We find Olivia Hankel (OHA) and Grace Netter (GNE) safely tucked up at HS26 this evening, where they’re enjoying a final night out on the steppe before getting the party started when they join us tomorrow evening. OHA had a particularly adrenaline filled morning, when her first pick of the day tested her seat to the max. She clung on like a pro, and kicked it out the station shortly after. Pretty impressive, on Day 9 of 12 hours in the saddle. We can’t wait to welcome them home. Lucky buggers, still out there in the wilds in the Derby bubble.

Our crew still out on the steppe are also savouring their final Derby moments. Vet Facu has applied to be adopted by his host family at HS26, who he describes as the undisputed host champions. They have gone out of their way at every possible opportunity to keep horses, crew and riders happy and well. On discovering one rider is actually vegetarian but has existed on mutton alone for the last 9 days, they promptly bundled into their car and disappeared to town. Shortly afterwards, they returned laden with vegetables to cook her a vegetable soup. It’s the wonderfully warm and caring people of Mongolia, as well as her horses, who make this place – and this experience – so utterly unique. Meanwhile, Media Manager Candie has happily spent her birthday surrounded by the best crew around out amongst the magic of the steppe. We also got her a crown, just to top it off.

We can’t wait to welcome the remaining riders out on the steppe tonight back into the Derby family tomorrow, as many riders will see each other for the first time since the start line. With many tales to tell, it’s sure to be a special evening. For now, enjoy some more of the brilliant highlights of Day 9 of the 2025 Mongol Derby.

Day 9 Close of Play

Finish Camp: ABO, AWO, BFI, BMC, DAL, EAK, EIN, HFI, HWR, KAH, KBI, KBU, LFI, LSS, MMO, MPO, SPH

HS28: AGB, BFG, BSI, FFU, FSW, TKO

Between HS27 – HS28: ATH, GPO

HS27: UHE

HS26: OHA, GNE

Adventure Category: ACL, CKA, DFI, EWA, JLA, JOQ, LDO, LMK, NUR, PHE

Retired: ABE, AKN, ATO, CSC, DME, KBA, MSA

Penalties

Vet penalties: LMK (2 hrs)

Photo credits: Kathy Gabriel, Tulgaa Skizz, Kabaanaa, Corrado Valli