Manama : His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for Humanitarian Works and Youth Affairs, and His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Minister of the Prime Minister’s Court and Chairman of the Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club (REHC) High Committee, today attended the eighth edition of the Bahrain International Trophy, held at the REHC.
On this occasion, HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad affirmed that the Kingdom of Bahrain continues to achieve new milestones of excellence and leadership in international sports, guided by the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the continued support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
His Highness highlighted that the upgrade of the Bahrain International Trophy to Group 1 status represents international recognition of the Kingdom’s standing and capabilities in horseracing. His Highness noted that this achievement further consolidates Bahrain’s position among the world’s leading horseracing nations and reflects its advanced capabilities in hosting and organising prestigious international races.
His Highness commended the ambitious vision and dedicated efforts of the REHC High Committee, chaired by HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, noting that this historic milestone is the result of sustained institutional efforts and strategic development. His Highness also expressed his appreciation for the contributions of all REHC personnel in securing this international recognition.
For his part, HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad affirmed that the continued advancement of equestrian sports and horseracing in the Kingdom, and their growing international prominence, reflect the support of His Majesty the King for this longstanding sport, as well as the directives of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman highlighted that Bahrain’s national expertise, distinguished capabilities and proven track record in hosting and organising major international championships provide a strong foundation for enhancing competitiveness in the sector and further strengthening the Kingdom’s standing on the international sporting stage.
His Highness expressed his pride in the success of this year’s Bahrain International Trophy, noting that the eighth edition holds particular significance following the race’s upgrade to Group 1 status. His Highness emphasised that this milestone reflects the advanced level of horseracing in the Kingdom and the progress achieved in establishing Bahrain as a leading destination for the sport, paving the way for further achievements.
His Highness commended the efforts that contributed to the successful organisation of the race, highlighting the importance of continuing to develop the international races and championships hosted by the Kingdom and further enhancing their organisational and competitive standards. His Highness noted that such efforts strengthen Bahrain’s attractiveness to leading international stables and encourage greater participation in its international races.
HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman congratulated the winners across the various races and wished all other participants success in future competitions.
His Highness also expressed his pride in Bahrain’s national workforce, its extensive experience, distinguished capabilities and high level of professionalism in organising major international sporting events, as demonstrated by the successful organisation of the eighth Bahrain International Trophy.
His Highness affirmed that the dedication and excellence demonstrated by Bahrainis reflect the Kingdom’s wealth of national talent and its ability to achieve the highest standards across all sectors.
His Highness thanked all of those involved in organising the race, as well as the contributions of partners and supporters, in ensuring the success of this international event and advancing the development of horseracing in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa crowned the winners, presenting the Bahrain International Trophy to the representative of the owner of the winning horse, Royal Champion, owned by the late Shaikh Mohammed bin Obaid Al Maktoum, following its victory in the sixth and main race, held for imported horses over a distance of 2000 meters. His Highness also presented awards to trainer Karl Burke and jockey Clifford Lee, who secured first place in the race.
His Highness also presented the Gulf of Bahrain Cup to the representative of the owner of the winning horse, Beylerbeyi, owned by Midtech 2, following its victory in the fifth race, held for imported horses over a distance of 2800 meters. His Highness presented awards to trainer Ian Williams and jockey Edward Greatrex, who secured first place in the race.
Winners of the other races were also crowned, as His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa received the Economic Development Board Cup from Mrs. Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development and Chief Executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB), following the victory of Piz Nair, owned by Al Adiyat Racing, in the seventh race.
His Highness Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa received the second race trophy from Tajinder Virk, Chief Executive Officer of Finvasia Group, while Mohamed bin Mubarak bin Daina, Minister of Oil and Environment and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs, presented the ninth race trophy to the winning owner, Ebrahim Al Afoo.
Shaikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Beyon Group, presented the fourth race trophy to His Highness Shaikh Nader bin Mohammed bin Salman Al Khalifa, while Ahmed Shirazi, Managing Director of Bahrain Jewellery Centre, presented the third race trophy to the winning owner, Hadi Al Afoo.
Fahad Mohammed Al Mudahka, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Gulf Air, presented the first race trophy to Chris Wall, while Isa Kanoo, Member of the Board of Directors of Ebrahim K. Kanoo Company, presented the eighth race trophy to the winning owner, Mohammed Khalid Abdulrahim.
The Bahrain International Trophy was attended by a number of Their Highnesses and Excellencies, senior officials, members of the diplomatic corps and representatives of supporting entities. The racing evening was marked by a vibrant celebratory atmosphere filled with excitement and anticipation, as the audience enthusiastically followed the races and their competitive action. The accompanying events and entertainment activities further enhanced the evening, which saw a significant public turnout.
The evening also featured seven additional races held for the cups of the sponsors and supporting entities of the Bahrain International Trophy.
