Dedicated amateur rider John Thirsk won Britain's oldest horse race, which is held in the East Riding, for the third time in a row today.

He defended his title brilliantly in the 491st running of historic Kiplingcotes Derby in the wilds of the East Yorkshire Wolds.

Damage to the course by tree felling operations during the winter led to more spills, but nobody was seriously hurt.

Hundreds of fans turned out of the race over a gruelling four-and-a-half mile course near Market Weighton.

Joiner Mr Thirsk, of Chestnut Avenue, Holme-on-Spalding Moor, was presented with the magnificent winners trophy and £60 prize money.

This year, 13 riders took part in Britain's most quirky horse race compared with 19 runners last year.

See tomorrow's Mail for a full report on the race, in words and pictures, and see our website for a video capturing the action.