Former champion jockey, adventurer and now photo-journalist Richard Dunwoody is covering the Mongol Derby 2012 for organisers The Adventurists. He has filed a gallery of cracking shots of the launch day from the steppe. Richard will be sending photos from the steppe every day of the race along with race commentary and expert opinion. 

All photos copyright Richard Dunwoody (all rights reserved, so no nicking before asking)

Christoffer Adriansson handles a wild one at Horse Station 2

Riders get their first taste of racing proper and the prospect of 1000km of Mongolian steppe ahead of them:

Conditions were bang on for a fast start and the pace was quick off the line and throughout a dramatic first day:

Vet Nandintsetseg checks a horse's heart rate at horse station 2

Riders cross the start line of the Mongol Derby 2012: 

Vet Deon talks to Mattias Gardlund at Horse Station 2

Professional jump jockey Richie Killoran on leg 2 of the Mongol Derby:

Erin Shanson has her kit weighed before the Mongol Derby:

Riders prepare their kit ahead of the start:

Julie Youngblood on leg 2 of the Mongol Derby:

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