At 43, Jane Christie yesterday showed she doesn't get older, only better.

Brushing aside the efforts of much younger challengers, Christie became the oldest ever female Derby winner, snaring her second victory in the annual 13.3 mile classic.

Her last triumph was back in 1985, and the 13 years since that win is believed to mark the longest stretch between victories of any previous two-time winner.

Christie's time of one hour, 29 minutes and three seconds was a record for female masters (40-49) and bettered her performance a year ago when she had to settle for second overall behind Karen Adams who clocked 1.26.42. A year ago Christie finished in 1.32.14.

Christie attributed her form this time around to much better preparation. "I trained really hard for this year's race with the help of my coach, my best friend,'' she said of former male champion Cal Bean without identifying him.

Following Christie home was previous winner Maria Conroy-Haydon in a time of 1.30.09, while another former winner, Anna Eatherley, was third in 1.31.00, edging out pre-race favourite Lynn Patchett (1.31.48) near the end.

One thing all had in common was their interpretation of the conditions, all claiming not have been bothered by the heat or high humidity.

Christie found the conditions to her liking from start to finish and recalled having experienced no difficulties all along the route.

"It was a nice day. I thought it was going to be very humid and hot, but in actual fact there was quite a bit of breeze which made it pleasant,'' she said. "I was a bit surprised that Lynn (Patchett) didn't go out hard. Maria and I went out over the first mile in 6.19 and I thought `Oh God, this is a bit too fast' so we we eased back a wee bit.'' The two fought it out until they reached Burnt House Hill when Christie stretched her lead.

"I was able to keep it going on the down side of the hill and then along Harbour Road, and I tried to push it around the corners a bit to lose Maria and I think that's what happened.

"I was told I had a 20-50 yard lead. I just tried to keep a steady pace afterwards and the crowds really carried me through today, they were fabulous.'' Conroy-Haydon was full of praise for her rival and good friend. "I challenged her until Burnt House Hill, but it's just that she trained really well for it.

I had a good run, but Jane performed better. I probably didn't train enough. I haven't done any speed work and not many long runs, but I'm pleased,'' she said.

"I didn't go out too fast, there was no discomfort along the way. I enjoyed the day and the conditions were fine. I didn't expect to win it, but hopefully I will be better prepared next year.'' Anna Eatherley said she didn't expect to do any better than her third place finish.

"I went out easy, my aim was to run seven-minute miles and I stuck to that all the way. I just ran steady, never going from my plan, never picking up the pace and never slowing it down,'' she said.

QUEEN OF THE ROAD -- An elated Jane Christie completes an astonishing run to become the Marathon Derby's oldest ever female winner.