Sheikh Fahad saddles up for a new charity challenge

He will ride in a Flat race at Limerick on April 25 to help raise money for Irish Injured Jockeys, and it looks like he will be calling upon the David Simcock-trained Captain Morley, who is owned by Qatar Racing, for the occasion.

Running the streets of London was an excruciating experience for Sheikh Fahad, but the horse race will be only marginally less testing on his legs - the pain will be shorter, but no less intense. Inexperienced riders are invariably exhausted by the combination of adrenalin burn and standing up in the stirrups, and it is certain to be a very tough test for the sheikh. He rode as a child, but only recently returned to the saddle.

This morning he was riding out for Newmarket trainer Peter Chapple-Hyam, and he has also been to Olly Stevens' Robins Farm Racing yard and to Simcock's.

Sheikh Fahad said: "I'm very honoured to be asked to ride for such a worthy charity as Irish Injured Jockeys. I have been on a strict diet and tough training regime to get fit for the race. I have also been riding out most days for the last month and enjoying every second. I can't wait for the race."

Peter Molony, Qatar Racing's representative in Ireland, challenged Sheikh Fahad to get involved and was thrilled with his response. The charity raceday honours Molony's father, Martin, and uncle Tim, two outstanding jockeys on the Flat and over jumps during the 1940s and 1950s.

Molony, who is also joining the line-up, said: "Having Sheikh Fahad involved has added a whole new dimension to the race day, and it's fantastic he is lending his support by taking part."

Photograph of Sheikh Fahad - by Laurence Squire