Four legs beat man to win race

The 300 individual runners joined 60 relay teams of three runners each Enlarge Image

A horse had a narrow victory over man today in one of the country's most bizarre sporting contests in Powys.

The annual Man versus Horse race at Llanwrtyd Wells saw 300 runners up against 46 mounts over 22 miles.

Runner John Macfarlane was just 30 seconds behind Dukes Touch of Fun, who won in 2hrs 18 minutes and 13 seconds.

Her owner Geoffrey Allen, of Budeleigh, Worcestershire, said: "I must admit I did get lost in the woods - but that was human error not the horse."

Engineer Mr Allen, 56, made up for last year when his mount was the fastest horse - but was beaten to the line by German athlete, Florian Holtinger.

Mr Allen said: "It was hugely enjoyable and she did very, very well to win.

Geoffrey Allen said his horse deserves a good rest

"We cut it a bit fine but we have proved that horse is superior to human. She was the fastest horse last year so she is well used to the course.

"She deserves a good rest and some extra carrots now."

Organiser Gordon Green said of the event, which was first held in 1980: "Everybody finished the race with no problems and it has been a great day, the weather was perfect.

"It's not just eccentric - we're the largest horse race in Britain, as the Grand National only has 40 horses."