An equine dentist, aged 66, rode in his ninth victory in what is reputed to be the oldest flat race in England, the 479th Kiplingcotes Derby.

Ken Holme and his 15-year-old chestnut mount, Snowfine Chap, were the oldest pair in the four-and-a-half mile race across the East Yorkshire Wolds, but they were given no quarter by the seven other riders.

It is a tough and keenly-contested event across hilly and, in places, rough ground in the countryside near Market Weighton. Last year's race ended tragically when the winning horse, a thoroughbred ridden by an experienced horsewoman, collapsed and died shortly after passing the post. Men and women of all ages take part in the race which is renowned as much for its eccentricities as for its durability.

The only restriction is that riders must weight in at over ten stone: traditionally those falling short have added to their attire any items available, from spanners to tyre levers, in order to qualify.

The Derby was begun by local horse owners who wanted to test the form of their horses before the racing season began. In 1947 a horse and cart was driven through huge snow drifts to clear a path for a single entrant, so that the tradition would not be broken.

The second rider, who receives all the entrance fees paid by the riders, has often scooped a greater reward than the fixed prize for the winner, although this has not happened since the first prize was increased to £50 three years ago.

Ken Holme, from Cliffe Common, Selby, was jubilant after his win on the former steeplechaser which is owned by his partner Moira, who is also his assistant in his dentistry work.

The race starter, Richard Hillaby, had been expecting a hard race. His wife, Susan, the Derby clerk, has inherited the duty from generations of her family, through her father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

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