Manama : His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS), President of the General Sports Authority (GSA), and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC), and His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Minister of the Prime Minister’s Court and Chairman of the High Committee of the Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club (REHC), attended the seventh edition of the Bahrain International Trophy at REHC, alongside several senior officials.
On this occasion, HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman highlighted the progress of the Kingdom’s equestrian sector, noting that its achievements reflect the support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman said their commitment to developing the sector has enhanced Bahrain’s international standing in horse racing and positioned the Kingdom as a leading venue for major global competitions.
HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman emphasised Bahrain’s capabilities in hosting international events and the Kingdom’s determination to ensure the continued success of the Bahrain International Trophy, which attracts strong regional and international participation each year. His Highness commended the organisation of the event for a seventh consecutive year, noting its reputation and its ability to draw prominent stables, trainers and jockeys.
HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman added that the strong competition among the participating horses reflects the Kingdom’s advanced standing in the sport. His Highness extended his best wishes to the winners and participants for continued success in future competitions. His Highness also expressed appreciation for the efforts of Team Bahrain in organising the event and commended the support of the REHC personnel and the race partners.
His Highness presented the Bahrain International Trophy to Karl Burke, trainer of Royal Champion, owned by Shaikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, who won first place in the main race for imported, graded Class 1, Group 2 horses over 2000 metres.
Senior officials, diplomats, sponsors, horse owners, trainers, jockeys and racing enthusiasts attended the event, which featured competitive races, accompanying activities and entertainment programmes.
The Bahrain International Trophy also included seven additional races held for the cups of the event’s sponsors: Beyon Group, Bapco Energies, the Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB), Brown Advisory, Grand Seiko – Bahrain Jewellery Centre, Gulf Air, and Ebrahim Khalil Kanoo – Lexus.
Noor bint Ali Al Khulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development and Chief Executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board, presented the Economic Development Board Cup to His Highness Shaikh Nader bin Mohammed bin Salman Al Khalifa. Dr. Mohamed bin Mubarak bin Daina, Minister of Oil and Environment and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs, presented the Bapco Energies Group Cup to Abdullah Fawzi Nass. His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa received the Lexus Cup from Isa Kanoo, Member of the Board of Directors of Ebrahim K. Kanoo Company. Khalid Hussain Taqi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Gulf Air Group, presented the Gulf Air Cup to the winning trainer Yousif Taher. Jack Weatherby, Head of Middle East at Brown Advisory, presented the company’s cup to the winning owner Abdullah Sami Nass. His Highness Shaikh Nader bin Mohammed bin Salman Al Khalifa received the Grand Seiko – Bahrain Jewellery Centre Cup from Ahmed Shirazi, Managing Director of Bahrain Jewellery Centre. Shaikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Beyon Group, presented the Beyon Group Cup to the winning owner Ebrahim Al Afoo.
The racing evening included a series of strong performances. Kuheilan Weld Umm Zorayr 1959 from Victorious Forever Stables, ridden by jockey Abdulrahim Jassim, won the Gulf Air Cup for Bahraini Arabian horses (WAHO). California, owned by Abdullah Sami Nass, won the Brown Advisory Cup for locally bred horses over 1400 metres. Midhaal, owned by His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Faisal bin Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa, secured the Lexus Cup after a determined finish. Tawaareq from Victorious Forever Stables won the Bapco Energies Group Cup following a competitive race among imported horses. Burdett from Al Afoo Stables, ridden by jockey Ebrahim Nader, won the Beyon Group Cup for imported horses. Devaste from Al Mohamediya Racing won the Grand Seiko – Bahrain Jewellery Centre Cup, marking a strong start to his season. Royal Scimitar from Al Mohamediya Racing claimed the Economic Development Board Cup for imported horses over a mile, securing a second consecutive victory this season.
In the main race, Royal Champion, owned by Shaikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, won the Bahrain International Trophy for the first time after a late surge to overtake Galen in a strong and decisive finish.
