A HANDKERCHIEF heralded the start of a tradition that has captured the imagination of sports fans for almost 500 years.

The symbolic piece of silk was used to set off runners in Britain's oldest horse race in a bleak corner of the Wolds near Market Weighton.

Historic Kiplingcotes Derby is a challenging race

over a gruelling four-and- a-half-mile course that tested competitors to the limit yesterday.

As first reported on the Mail's website, loud cheers went up when dedicated amateur rider John Thirsk won the 491st running of the race for the third time in a row.

His courageous mare, Maisey, dealt magnificently with the testing course, which had been damaged by tree felling operations during the winter.

Joiner Mr Thirsk, 46, of Chestnut Drive, Holme-on- Spalding Moor, said: "I'm thrilled to bits to win this historic race for the third successive year.

"The course was in a dreadful condition, the worst I have seen it, but Maisey was brilliant, and I'm delighted we finished the clear winners."

There was a warm reception for Mr Thirsk when he was presented with the winner's trophy by Beverley jeweller Philip Guest and £60 prize money.

It was also an exciting day for 18-year-old Georgette Greaves, of Priory Road, west Hull, who competed in the race for the first time.

The Hymers College student said: "The race was exhilarating and I was really pleased with my sixth place."

This year, there was one faller, a former winner Liz Stubbins, of Thornton, near Pocklington, who suffered a suspected broken wrist.

Farmer Guy Stephenson, one of the race trustees, said it was a good race with 13 runners.

He said: "There was one faller and another horse was pulled up, but, thankfully, no rider or horse was seriously hurt."