BEST of luck to Martin McMahon from Co Clare, who was one of 40 riders to set off in the Mongol Derby on Wednesday.

Regarded as the longest and toughest equestrian race in the world, the Mongol Derby is a 1,000km race over 10 days across Mongolia. It has no marked course and riders have to fend for themselves across valleys, mountain passes, woods, rivers, wetland and near-desert.

They are supplied with Mongolian-bred horses, with a new steed provided every 40km. International veterinary surgeons are on hand to check each horse’s condition before and after each stage.

Martin works for trainer Michael McDonagh in Sixmilebridge and is taking part in the race to raise funds for Pieta House, the Irish Cancer Society and MS Ireland.

He told local media: “Seeking a challenge that would equate to the many mental and physical struggles people face in life – anxiety, fear, self-doubt, pain, hardship, loss, endurance – and through which I could raise funds for charities that help people to deal with or overcome their personal struggles, has always been an ambition of mine. The Mongol Derby meets all the criteria for the type of challenge I was seeking.

“Taking part in this extraordinary race is not for the faint hearted nor for anyone without the determination to succeed. I want to participate, and I want to represent Ireland in the best possible way – by coming home safely and as close to the winning podium as possible, raising the profile of my chosen charities and presenting them with much-needed funding.”

Martin hopes to raise €20,000 and has already staged a quiz night, bingo evening and a raffle. You can donate online. Martin is posting updates on Facebook when he can.

Follow Martin’s progress: equestrianists.com

Donate: Search GoFundMe.com and Facebook for ‘Mongol Derby Martin McMahon’