Double World Champion Max Verstappen is currently busy preparing for next weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with the Dutchman having enjoyed some time to relax following his victory at the Australian Grand Prix.
Whilst the reigning World Champion has been away from the track, a horse named after the 25-year-old has been making the headlines.
Verstappen, a horse trained by Brendan P. Walsh, claimed victory on Saturday in the $350,000 Elkhorn Stakes (G2T) at Keeneland, after being judged as the winner following a photo finish.
Verstappen was declared the winner on good turf in a time of 2:29.28, after a photo finish showed that he beat Red Knight by the smallest of margins.
Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies
The four-year-old is certainly on the up, with Walsh having revealed that that he knew Verstappen would “get better” with age.
“We’ve always liked him. As he was going to get older, we always thought he’d get better,” Walsh said, as reported by Bloodhorse.com.
Verstappen’s record is now 4-3-2, with his total earnings being $447,846.
Following Verstappen’s incredible victory, Walsh clearly has big plans for the racehorse, with him stating that he knew ahead of the race that a win would “open a big door” for the rising star.
“Coming in here, we said if he ran well today, if he ran in the first three, it would open a big door for him, so I think anything from a mile and a quarter to a mile and a half, I think he’s still going to get better and better. I don’t think we’ve seen the best of him yet,” Walsh said.
READ: Las Vegas Grand Prix organisers admit need to reform ticket options
“Declan (Cannon) rode him to perfection. I’m delighted for him. He does a lot of work for me, rides a lot of my work (horses), so it’s a great reward. The guys that own the horse are huge supporters of mine, and my own team at home…It’s just a great team effort all around.”
Perhaps one day the 37-time Grand Prix winner will go and watch the horse named after him race, given that fans would likely love a Verstappen and Verstappen collaboration.
For now, though, the Red Bull driver is busy getting ready for the fourth round of the 2023 F1 season.