Mongol Derby-Race Day 10 -Until the Last Rider

photos by Tulgaa Skizz and Batbileg Dovchinbavuu

Equestrianists

By Candice Sparre
14 August 2026

Day 10 of the Mongol Derby had arrived and for the 19 riders still out on the steppe, this was it.

The winner had been crowned and the top seven places decided, but for the riders still out there, today was their final opportunity to complete the 2026 Mongol Derby and cross those finish flags.

After nine days of horses, navigation, penalties, questionable camping arrangements, broken kit and everything else the Mongolian steppe had thrown their way, there was one job left to do.

Get up. Draw a horse. And get yourself to that finish line.

Day 10 dawned rather dramatically, with dark clouds hanging over the landscape while the morning sun found its way through...

Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/mongol-derby-race-day-10-until-the-last-rider

Mongol Derby - Race Day 9 - Finish Lines and Unfinished Business

Tulgaa Skizz photo

By Candice Sparre
13 August 2026

Day 9 of the Mongol Derby and the finish line finally came into play.

After eight days of racing across the Mongolian steppe, the leaders began the morning separated by kilometres rather than horse stations. The race for the win was still alive, the chasing pack had plenty to fight for, and further back, riders continued to grind their way towards those increasingly tantalising finish flags.

By sunset, the top of the leaderboard would look very different - and the first seven places of the 2026 Mongol Derby would be decided.

But while the podium began to fill at Finish Camp, out on the steppe, the Derby was far from over...

Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/mongol-derby-race-day-9-finish-lines-and-unfinished-business

Mongol Derby - Race Day 8 - The Steppe Isn't Done Yet

Equestrianists.com - Full Article

Tulgaa Skizz and Batbileg Dovchinbavuu photos

By Candice Sparre
12 August 2026

Day 8 dawned on the Mongol Derby with the finish line starting to feel dangerously real.

Eight days of racing were firmly in the legs, sleep was becoming increasingly theoretical, kit was beginning to show the strain, and apparently some riders were now continuing the Derby in their dreams.

But there was very little interest in slowing down.

At the sharp end, Laura van Laar (LLA) had one thing firmly in her sights: the finish line.

Behind her, Doniga Feliz Markegard (DMA) and Ella Greenslade (EGR) were still hunting as a pair, while Rangna Roux (RRO) had ground to make up and appeared in absolutely no mood to waste any more time doing it...

Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/mongol-derby-race-day-8-the-steppe-isnt-done-yet

Mongol Derby - Race Day 7 - The Race Resets

Tulgaa Skizz and Batbileg Dovchinbavuu photos

Equestrianists.com - Full Article

By Candice Sparre
10 August 2026

Day 7 opened with a very different-looking race at the sharp end of the Mongol Derby.

Late yesterday, Lindsay Woods (LWO) became unwell on the steppe and activated her SOS. The medical team responded, with LWO subsequently treated for heat stroke. Unfortunately, the heat-related illness has brought her competitive Derby to an end, and LWO has now retired from the race.

Her racing may be over, but her Derby isn’t quite finished yet. LWO will now make her way to Finish Camp, where she’ll join those already there and swap racing for cheering duties, ready to welcome her fellow riders as they make their way across the finish line.

This morning also brought a number of adjustments to the running order at the front of the field...

Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/mongol-derby-race-day-7-the-race-resets-

Mongol Derby 2026 - Race Day 6 - The Chase is on

Equestrianists.com - Full Article

By Candice Sparre
10 August 2026

Day 6 dawned with the battle at the front showing absolutely no signs of letting up.

Rangna Roux (RRO) and Lindsay Woods (LWO) had pushed beyond HS15 to camp on the steppe overnight, putting some extra kilometres between themselves and their closest rivals. Behind them, Laura van Laar (LLA), Ella Greenslade (EGR) and Doniga Feliz Markegard (DMA) had settled in at HS15, making the most of a good feed and some proper rest before setting off in pursuit this morning.

With the leaders beginning to stretch the field but the chasing trio refusing to let them get away, there was everything still to play for...

Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/mongol-derby-2026-race-day-6-the-chase-is-on-

Mongol Derby 2026 - Race Day 5 -The Gamble Is On

Equestrianists.com - Full Article

By Candice Sparre
8 August 2026

Five days into the Mongol Derby and the field is well and truly scattered across the Mongolian steppe. The front-runners are pushing on, navigation is producing some increasingly interesting lines, bodies are creaking, belongings are breaking and somewhere out there a Mongolian dog has ensured one rider will never look at a bush poo quite the same way again.

In other words, business as usual at the Mongol Derby.

Rangna Roux (RRO) and Lindsay Woods (LWO) wasted no time getting down to business this morning, while Doniga Feliz Markegard (DMA), Ella Greenslade (EGR) and Laura van Laar (LLA) remained relentless behind them, continuing to make gains on the front-runners...

Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/mongol-derby-2026-race-day-5-

Mongol Derby 2026 - Race Day 4 - Too hot to trot

Equestrianists.com - Full Article

By Candice Sparre
7 August 2026

The Mongol Derby rarely goes to plan, and Day 4 was no exception.

Heat, navigation mishaps, improvised repairs and a few unexpected logistical headaches combined to produce one of the most unusual days of the race so far. While the leaderboard continued to ebb and flow at the sharp end of the field, today's biggest challenge wasn't another rider... it was Mother Nature.

As temperatures climbed towards 33°C, Race HQ made the decision to implement a temporary race hold during the hottest part of the afternoon. Riding paused from 2:30 pm until 4:30 pm before resuming later in the evening, with riding hours extended until 8:30 pm.

The decision was a simple one. Horse welfare comes first. Always...

Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/mongol-derby-2026-race-day-4-Too-hot-to-trot