Shade of purple leaves ex-champ Darley feeling off colour

Qatar Racing's burgundy silks have become a familiar sight on British racecourses in the last few years, but it was a shade of purple that was concerning the operation's international representative Kevin Darley, who has retired from the Mongol Derby, renowned as the world’s longest and toughest horse race.

Darley, Sheikh Fahad Al Thani (who with his brothers Sheikh Hamad and Sheikh Suhaim formed Qatar Racing), the organisation's racing manager David Redvers and Irish representative Peter Molony are among 43 competitors – comprising 20 men and 23 women – from 13 countries riding semi-wild horses in a ten-day, 1,000km endurance test through Mongolia.

Sheikh Fahad, whose participation could not be revealed until the event was under way, has ridden in charity races recently but will not be able to pick up any tips from Darley as he pulled up early.