Haaland, a racehorse, made a remarkable comeback by winning a race after a long dry spell. Trained in Australia, this seven-year-old horse shares its name with the famous Manchester City striker, Erling Haaland. Despite not having a scoring record as impressive as the football star, Haaland achieved a significant milestone by securing its first victory at a metropolitan track in Sandown-Hillside, Victoria.
Having not won a race in 800 days, Haaland triumphed in a £25,000 handicap race under the guidance of jockey and trainer Lucinda Boyd. Donning a distinctive green and white chequered visor, the horse clinched victory by a narrow margin, marking Boyd’s 118th career win and her tenth since becoming a licensed trainer.
The emotional victory celebration at the winners’ circle between Boyd and her husband, Anthony, who manage a small Ballarat stable together, reflected the horse’s deserving win. Lucinda expressed her joy at Haaland’s success, highlighting the horse’s resilience and the hard work put in by their small team, including their children.
However, Lucinda later revealed the extraordinary journey Haaland had been through, including battling atrial fibrillation, undergoing multiple treatments, and even surviving a heart attack. Despite facing such challenges, Haaland’s remarkable comeback and victory in a prestigious race carry significant meaning for the horse and its team.
Overall, Haaland’s inspiring story of resilience and triumph on the racetrack is a testament to the dedication and perseverance of all involved in his remarkable journey back to winning ways.