Katikati rider third in world's toughest horse race

Katikati man Ben Wilks has placed third-equal in the Mongolian Derby - the longest and toughest horse race in the world.

Alongside him was fellow kiwi and close friend from Taranaki, Maxim Van Lierde.

A facebook page following Mr Wilks progress reads, "Reports say that Maxim and Ben we're 3rd equal! We're so incredibly proud of you guys back here at home".

The pair crossed the finish line on the eighth day of the race, along with American Michele Tanaka.

The race was won by Byerone Epstein from South Africa, followed in second place by Elise Potrinal from France. The two women chose not to stop on the seventh night and finished overnight coming into the eighth day.

The Bay of Plenty Times caught up with Mr Wilks before his trip.

Riding semi-wild horses for 1000km across Mongolian wilderness with the possibility of losing a horse, becoming severely dehydrated or losing his way was not enough to put him off the adventure of a lifetime.

The 24-year-old relied on his lifetime of experience with horses on his parents' Katikati farm to deal with the unpredictable Mongolian horses and hoped his years of breaking in ponies would help him.