THE WORLD'S oldest horse race has galloped back to reflect the countryside's comeback from foot and mouth.

And, fittingly, the man who refused to let the disease stop the race last year took his record-breaking tenth win at yesterday's Kiplingcotes Derby.

The race, run every year since 1519, last year witnessed a handful of spectators watch an official rider walk the course.

Folklore states that if one year is missed, the race can never be run again.

But Ken Holmes, 70, from Cliffe, near Selby, refused to let the competition he has taken part in for 20 years be forgotten.

He and friend Moira Emmet surrounded the 2001 event in controversy when they broke organiser's orders and raced to the finish.

Yesterday, he took on a field of eight racers - and won again.

"It's great that it's back to a good standard of competition," he said."Last year I was criticised for taking part because people said I could have spread foot and mouth. I said I wouldn't and I didn't.

"It's great that it's back to normal."

The race was marred by the death of runner-up horse Burt, ridden by Robert Howarth, which collapsed after crossing the finish line.

Mr Holmes said: "I know Robert well and we have raced each other many times.

"It's sad and I feel for him, but it's one of those things."The race, a four-mile gallop across farmland near Londesborough, near Market Weighton, is run on the third Thursday of March every year.

Mr Holmes he was already looking forward to attempting his 11th win next year.

"I'm not making any predictions, but I expect to be back," he said.

Updated: 08:37 Friday, March 22, 2002