Race goers from as far as Kazakhstan turned out to watch the oldest horse race in England.

Tracey Corrigan riding number three, Willie, took first place after beating 17 other riders in the Kiplingcotes Derby near Market Weighton yesterday to the cheers of about 500 spectators.

Her fiancé Richard Mumford secured the runner up spot riding Bob in the four mile course across tracks and farm lanes.

Lionel Cashin of Market Weighton Town Team, who put on two free shuttle buses for the event, said that there was a real buzz in the run up to the 495th race.

“It was absolutely fantastic. I think the number of riders we had was the best we have had for years,” he said.

“We had one immaculately dressed lady who rode the whole four miles side saddle. People came from Surrey to watch and one lady on a world tour from Kazakhstan detoured to come and watch the race.”

The race is believed to have been held every March since 1519 with the rule that if it is not held one year, it can never be held again.

Emma Humphrey of The Pet Shop in Market Weighton was lucky enough to have backed the winner.

She said: “There was a great atmosphere and although it was cold it was very well attended and we didn’t have any rain.”