Manama : His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, today attended the final day of the Crown Prince’s Cup Festival, sponsored by Cebarco, held at the Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club (REHC) in Sakhir.
His Royal Highness highlighted the developments being made in the Kingdom’s equestrian sector, which continues to go from strength to strength with the unwavering support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister recognised the efforts made by the national workforce to effectively implement the strategic plans and programmes to develop the horse racing industry, which has contributed to achieving the Kingdom’s goals within the sector.
HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad reiterated Bahrain’s commitment to enhancing the competitiveness of the equestrian sector, in order to further consolidate its position as one of the leading regional and global destinations in hosting and organising prestigious horse races.
His Royal Highness noted that horse racing is deeply rooted in Bahrain’s identity, outlining the Kingdom’s commitment to preserving its heritage, showcasing it on the international stage, whilst also highlighting Bahrain’s history and culture.
HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister expressed his pride in the efforts of the REHC High Committee, under the leadership of His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Minister of the Prime Minister’s Court and Chairman of the REHC High Committee, which have resulted in a wide range of achievements that strengthen Bahrain’s regional and international presence in the horse racing sector.
HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad congratulated the winners of the various races and expressed his best wishes to all participants.
His Royal Highness also extended his best wishes to His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman, as well as to the owners, trainers, and jockeys from the various stables, for success in achieving their goals.
HRH the Crown Prince, Prime Minister presented the Crown Prince’s Cup for purebred Arabian horses to trainer Yousif Alboainain, the Crown Prince’s Cup for imported horses to owner Ibrahim Al Afou, and Crown Prince’s Cup for Bahraini horses to owner Mohammed Khalid Abdulrahim.
The winners of the other races were also presented with trophies. His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa received the Bahrain Mile Cup from Tariq Al Saffar, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait. His Highness Shaikh Sultan Al Din bin Mohammed bin Salman Al Khalifa received the Bahrain Derby Cup from Abdulrahman Jawahery, Chief Executive Officer of Bapco Energies.
Yusuf Osama Buheji, member and acting Chief Executive Officer of the REHC, presented the Bahrain Horse Racing Club Cup to Khalid Abdulrahim. David Howden, founder and CEO of the Howden Group, presented the Howden Cup to Aqeel Marzouq.
The second day of the Festival witnessed victories by the following winning horses:
Race 1: The horse Tuwaisan 1844 from Al Riffa Stables, ridden by jockey Abdulla Faisal won HRH the Crown Prince’s Cup sponsored by Cebarco.
Race 2: The horse Zeal owned by Mohammed Khalid Abdulrahim, jockeyed by Haider Ibrahim, continued his winning streak by winning the Bahrain Racing Turf Club Cup for Bahraini bred horse, securing his ninth victory.
Race 3: The horse Vlad from Al Wadi Racing, achieved its first victory in Bahraini races by winning the handicap race for imported horses after a thrilling duel.
Race 4: The horse Chandigah owned by Al Sharq Racing, won the Howden Cup for imported Grade 1 horses.
Race 5: The horse No Retreat from Victorious Forever Stables, won the Bahrain Mile Cup, sponsored by Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait, for Grade 1 imported horses.
Race 6: The horse Sovereign Spirit from Al-Afoo Stables won HRH Crown Prince’s Cup, sponsored by Cebarco for Grade 1 imported horses. This victory secured a double for “Sovereign Spirit” after winning His Majesty the King’s Cup last season.
Race 7: The horse Realm, owned by Mohammed Khalid Abdulrahim, won HRH the Crown Prince’s Cup, sponsored by Cebarco for Grade 1 domestic horses for 2000 meters distance.
Race 8: The final race concluded with the victory of the horse Baraak from Al Mohamediya Racing, in the Bahrain Derby Cup, sponsored by Bapco Energies Group for Class 1 domestic horses.
His Highness Shaikh Abdullah bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Honorary President of the REHC, His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, President of the General Sports Authority, and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman, and His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, along with several senior officials, diplomats, sponsors, and horseracing enthusiasts were in attendance at the festival.
