Sheik of Qatar's steed triumphs unexpectedly in the Golden Whip of Iffezheim competition
In an unexpected turn of events, The Striking Viking, an English horse owned by Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani's racing company, Wathan Racing, has clinched victory in the coveted Golden Whip race held in Baden-Baden, Germany.
The race, known for its prestige and honorary status in German horse racing, saw over 10,000 spectators at the Iffezheim racecourse witness the triumph of the outsider. The Striking Viking's win marked a significant moment in the history of the event, as it was a victory by an underdog in a prestigious horse racing competition.
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, was born in Doha on June 3, 1980, and has been ruling since June 25, 2013, succeeding his father, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. Known for his diplomatic roles and efforts to enhance Qatarβs international profile, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani was not present at the race but was undoubtedly thrilled with the victory of his horse.
Faleh Bughenaim was the jockey for The Striking Viking during the race, while Nina Baltromei rode the mare War Bride, another outsider. War Bride placed second in the race, preventing The Striking Viking from facing a tougher challenge.
Hamad A. Jehani, the trainer of The Striking Viking, expressed a sense of great accomplishment after winning the Golden Whip. In a post-race interview, Jehani indicated plans to return to the Golden Whip race next year with more horses.
Zerostress (Michael Cadeddu) came in third place in the race, adding to the excitement of the event. The 1,200-meter race was worth 70,000 euros, making it a lucrative victory for The Striking Viking's team.
The win two years ago by Zerostress, which was also trained by Hamad A. Jehani, had set the stage for this year's triumph. The Striking Viking's victory in the Golden Whip race is undoubtedly a testament to the skill and determination of its team, and a shining example of the power of perseverance in the world of horse racing.
