BRITAIN: Duke of Edinburgh, 85, is Second in Horse Carriage Race

THERE are few octogenarians whose idea of a pleasant Sunday afternoon involves careering around a race track in a horse carriage. But yesterday, at Hopetoun House near South Queensferry, a determined Duke of Edinburgh not only took part in a gruelling carriage-driving competition, but claimed second prize - despite the clear strain the challenge was placing upon the 85-year-old. The Duke of Edinburgh is 85 years old and suffers from arthritis.Picture: Andrew Milligan/PA Charles Mosley, editor of Burke's Peerage, which follows the activities of the Royal Family closely, said: "Prince Philip has suffered for years from rheumatoid arthritis, which forced him to quit playing polo decades ago. "Carriage-driving, although not as strenuous, is still very testing. His arthritis is now very bad and it's difficult enough to get around the house in that condition, never mind anything else." By Raymond Hainey ©2006 Scotsman.com