The Mongol Derby is the world’s longest and toughest horse race.

© Richard Dunwoody

The Mongol Derby is featured in the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s longest and toughest horse race, with the 9th running scheduled on 9 August 2017.
 
Australia’s own Warren Sutton is one of 12 men, and 22 women, from nine countries, who will compete in the 1000km ride across Mongolia on semi-wild horses.  An experienced horseman, this is no mean feat.

Australia’s own Warren Sutton.

 
The race recreates Chinggis Khaan’s ancient horse messenger system in epic fashion.  The hardy & semi-wild native horses of Mongolia reprise their traditional role as the legs and lungs of the adventure and the horse stations, or morin urtuus, will be manned by nomadic herding families as they traditionally were. The messengers themselves will be played by horsemen and adventurers from around the world all riding up to 160kms a day, navigating independently and changing horses at 40 kilometre intervals.
 
Working in the thoroughbred racing industry for 30 years, Warren knows winning means everything and has his eye firmly on the Mongol Derby finish line, despite the challenge that lies ahead, he has the experience and skill to achieve this grand feat.

Stunning scenery along the way.

© Richard Dunwoody

 
Following graduation from Geelong’s Marcus Oldham College, Warren’s first foray into the horse industry was a 20-year stint with Lindsay Park Racing during the Colin, Peter & David Hayes dynasty. During his time with Lindsay Park he honed his skills as track rider, foreman, horse breaker, assistant trainer and property manager and has experience with thoroughbreds and warmbloods running his own business educating and trading bloodstock.

The ride is considered the toughest in the world.

© Richard Dunwoody

 
In recent years, Warren has rotated his time between starting young racehorse at Mitchell McEvoy’s Murbko property and Asia. Under the Asian Maxwin banner he educates soldiers of the Royal Thai Cavalry in all facets of eventing. In Thailand and South Korea he conducts Young Horse Clinics and Private Seminars in horse education. His exceptional skill has taken him around the world, educating horses in Australia, Asia, South Africa, England and France.
 
Warren’s initial invitation to Thailand was to educate all the young horses for the potential Olympic team coached by Andrew Hoy. His expertise extended to the horse film industry, as Horse Wrangler for Ghostrider, Sun and Moon, The Frontier and many TV Commercials and special events.

In recent years, Warren has rotated his time between starting young racehorse at Mitchell McEvoy’s Murbko property and Asia.

 
Trying to stop him are 33 fearsome competitors including a cattle herder, a dairy farmer, a potato farmer, an ostrich rider, a dog sledder, a psychologist, an artist, a banker, a private investigator. And even a desperate housewife. Plus of course, the usual vets and riders of every type of horse on the planet. Although of course, many of them are yet to ride the Mongolian horses...
 
Maxwin, Ariat and McEvoy Mitchell Racing have secured Warren’s place in the 2017 Mongol Derby.  Cool Earth are the race’s official charity. You can donate to support Warren in his Mongol Derby quest here: gofundme.com/warrensutton

The race recreates Chinggis Khaan’s ancient horse messenger system in epic fashion. 

© Richard Dunwoody

Source: Press release

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