Image: Holguin; www.marcruehl.com / Use of this image is free of charge in connection with reporting on Baden Galopp
Press release
Big Week, August 29–September 6, 2026, in Baden-Baden • Iffezheim:
Defending the title: Another Wathnan triumph at the 156th Casino Baden-Baden Golden Whip
Baden-Baden-Iffezheim, August 30, 2026 (MH) – Mission accomplished: defending the title. That was the verdict following Germany’s most prestigious sprint race on Sunday, the second day of the 2026 “Grosse Woche,” in front of 11,000 spectators at the Baden-Baden racetrack. After the 156th Casino Baden-Baden Golden Whip (Group III, 55,000 euros, 1,200 m)—the race for the most coveted trophy in the country (a gold-plated whip engraved with the names of all past winners)—the Wathan Racing team, led by trainer Hamad Al Jehani and jockey Faleh Bughenaim, won with the favored six-year-old gray Holguin (4.2:1), just as they had in 2025 with The Strikin Viking. trainer Hamad Al Jehani, and jockey Faleh Bughenaim—with the favored six-year-old gray Holguin (4.2:1). Behind Wathan Racing, a globally operating stable, stands Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar.
A Spectacular Comeback
Well into the home stretch, there was little sign of the eventual winner, who claimed his fifth victory in his 26th start and earned a purse of 32,000 euros. Holguin was the last horse out of the gate, while the Swedish guest, Lamborghini BF, was dictating the pace with flying colors. Well into the home stretch, it looked as though champion jockey Thore Hammer-Hansen was on his way to victory, but then Holguin made a powerful surge. With little effort, the son of Havana Grey—whose career earnings now total 319,210 euros—cruised to another English triumph by one and a quarter lengths.
Lamborghini BF narrowly lost second place at the finish to Bacarda, who rose to the occasion and posted a career-best performance as the top German horse. Jeudixx, Victory Call, and the higher-rated Afandy—riding for outgoing trainer Jean-Claude Rouget—all three from France, took fourth through sixth place. Only Pershing, who was completely underperformed and squandered all her chances at the start, finished in last place.
VOICES:
Faleh Bughenaim (Holguin’s jockey): “I’m very happy; my horse did a great job. The only question mark was the somewhat short distance. He got off to a slow start, so I gave him plenty of time. Holguin accelerated beautifully.”
Andreas Wöhler (Bacarda's trainer): “The mare has steadily improved throughout her career. That was her best performance yet. We are very satisfied. She could now compete in a Group race on Europa-Preis Day in Cologne.”
Thore Hammer-Hansen (jockey for Lamborghini BF): “Actually, I would have liked to have had a lead horse, but he came out of the starting gate very quickly. A very good horse. You have to remember that this was only his fifth race on the turf track.”
Marcel Weiß (Pershing's coach): “Unfortunately, she backed up at the start and bumped into the starting gate. That’s when the race was lost right away.”
2026 Baden Galopp Racing Schedule:
Big week:
Saturday, August 29
Sunday, August 30
Tuesday, September 1
Saturday, September 5
Sunday, September 6
Sales & Racing Festival:
Friday, October 16
Sunday, October 18
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Andre Lott
Press contact
Baden Galopp GmbH & Co. KG
Rennbahnstr. 16
76473 Iffezheim
Tel: +49 1736755151
www.badengalopp.de
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Company headquarters: Iffezheim
Mannheim Local Court: HRA 708774
Represented by Baden Galopp Verwaltungs GmbH
Company headquarters: Iffezheim
Mannheim Local Court: HRB 3821
Managing Director: Stephan Buchner
