The oldest horse race in the world, the Kiplingcotes Derby is kept alive by a field of two
Four times winner, John Thirsk and Stephen Crawford gave their mounts, Harry and Ferkin, an easy canter and even walked parts of the course which runs from the former Kiplingcotes Station, in Etton, near Market Weighton, to Londesborough Wold Farm.
A tradition as ancient as the race itself, which dates back to 1519, stipulates the race must be run every year or cancelled forever.
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Hide AdThis year was only the fourth time in 501 years the race, which is always run on the third Thursday in March, has gone ahead without a full card.
It was overseen by clerk of the course, Sue Hillaby, who was there to perform the formal reading of the rules.