AND THE WINNER IS

Here is the winner of the 493rd Kiplingcotes Derby - John Thirsk, on his horse 'Bob'. The race took place in very foggy conditions today. There were 12 entries this year, the same as last year, but not beating the biggest field of 19 in 2009. John was placed second last year and prior to that had won 3 races on the trot !
The race again attracted many members of the media, with Nicki Chapman filming today, as part of the BBC Programme 'Escape to the Country'.

The Kiplingcotes Derby is the oldest horse race in England. Ken Holmes holds the current record for most wins - 11 in total. However this is one race where it may be better to come second. The winner gets around £50, but the second placed rider gets the remainder of the entry monies.

The rules, drawn up in 1618, are read out before the start of each race.
"A horse race to be observed and ridd yearly on the third Thursday in March; open to horses of all ages, to convey horsemen's weight, ten stones, exclusive of saddle, to enter ye post before eleven o' clock on the morning of the race. The race to be run before two."

In keeping with this, nobody knows how many horses and riders there will be until the actual morning of the race.