Mahathir horseplay a sporting example

Mahathir: still riding high in the saddle

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (Reuters) -- Malaysia's septuagenarian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad came third in a long-distance horse race on Sunday, saying he took part to encourage Malaysians to take up sport.

"It's very difficult for a person of my age, but if I don't start something, people won't do it," said Mahathir, who will be 76 next month.

"We are making available facilities, the government agencies are helping out, we are doing quite a lot to encourage sport," Mahathir said.

The Old Man, as he is commonly known, frequently surprises Malaysians with his stamina for work and play.

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Mahathir took 1 hour 48 minutes to cross the finish line in the Perdana Classic race, organized by the Royal Malaysian Police and national power company Tenaga Nasional.

He said despite early misgivings, his only regret was that the 20 km (12.5 miles) race was shortened by three km because of poor ground conditions.

Mahathir, who has been in power for 20 years, has said this is his last term in office, but has avoided giving any clear indication of when he will step aside.