World’s fastest man has equine rival - Usain Colt

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Watch out Usain Bolt, Usain Colt is running - and with four legs, he is fast.

The 3-year-old thoroughbred named after the world's fastest man is being lined up for several races in Britain this summer, and his owners hope Usain Bolt will meet his equine namesake while he is in London for the Olympics.

Trying to schedule an appointment with the three-time Olympic champion and 100-meter world record holder is proving difficult, however, with the opening ceremony for London Games in only two days' time.

Bolt has been training in seclusion on a track at the University of Birmingham, a facility surrounded by thick bushes and patrolled by security.

"Usain Bolt is not the easiest person to get a hold of these days, but I'd like to hope that Usain Colt's chance to meet him after the Olympics would be boosted if the horse wins a race this summer," said Jake Warren, one of the horse's handlers.

Warren said Usain Colt deserves his name even though he has only won once - a year ago in Newbury.

"He's quite a big horse. He's very athletically built and has lots of character," Warren said. "He's a laid-back horse with a big personality and has a presence like no other."

"Not other than Bolt, of course," he added.

The horse is owned by Ascot Racecourse. Prince Harry is believed to have joined the Birdcage Racing Club run by Ascot, whose 100 members pay an annual fee and share any prize money earned by Usain Colt.