Manama : The Deputy King, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, today attended the sixth edition of the Bahrain International Trophy, held at the Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club (REHC).
HRH the Deputy King highlighted the unwavering support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for the Kingdom’s equestrian sector, which has played a pivotal role in establishing the Kingdom as an international hub for horseracing.
His Royal Highness emphasised that HM the King’s continued support has strengthened the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing the horseracing sector, channelling efforts towards its ongoing development and achieving its long-term aspirations.
His Royal Highness recognised Team Bahrain’s efforts in advancing the Kingdom’s horseracing sector through the implementation of various development initiatives and projects.
His Royal Highness reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to preserving its horseracing sector, deeply rooted in its culture and history, and cherished by both present and future generations.
HRH the Deputy King expressed the Kingdom’s pride in hosting prestigious horseracing competitions and reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting the sport
His Royal Highness praised the organisational efforts of the REHC, led by His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Isa bin Salman Education Charitable Trust, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), and Chairman of the REHC High Committee, in strengthening the Kingdom’s global position as a host for international horseracing competitions.
HRH the Deputy King emphasised that the Kingdom’s progress in equestrian sports has been driven by the dedication, expertise, and ambition of the Bahraini workforce, while also highlighting the strong international and regional participation in the competition.
His Royal Highness congratulated the first-place winners and extended his best wishes to the remaining participants for success in future races.
For his part, HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman stated that the development of the Kingdom’s horseracing sector aligns with the far-reaching vision of HM the King and the directives of HRH the Deputy King. HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman emphasised that advancing the Kingdom’s equestrian sector will enhance Bahrain’s ability to host international horseracing competitions, attract the best stables worldwide, and meet the highest international standards.
HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman highlighted that the Bahrain International Trophy reflects the REHC’s commitment to offering a premier international horseracing experience in the Kingdom.
His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman extended his congratulations to the winners and expressed his best wishes for success to all participants in the upcoming races.
His Royal Highness presented the Bahrain International Trophy to Sir Alex Ferguson, Done, and Mason, the owners of Spirit Dancer, who claimed first place in the eighth and main race, held for imported, graded Class 1, Group 2 horses, at a distance of 2000 meters.
This marks Spirit Dancer’s second consecutive victory in the competition.
The runner-up were Lead Artist, who secured second place, followed by Calif in third place, and Alflaila, who finished in fourth place.
His Highness Shaikh Hamad bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa received the Economic Development Board Cup from the Minister of Sustainable Development and Chief Executive of Bahrain EDB, HE Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif.
HH Shaikh Hamad bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa also received the Beyon Cup from the Chairman of Beyon, Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa.
Member of the Board of Directors of Ebrahim Khalil Kanoo Company, Isa Kanoo, presented the Lexus Cup to assistant trainer Paul Smith.
His Highness Shaikh Nader bin Mohammed bin Salman Al Khalifa received the seventh race cup from the Chief Executive Officer of Bapco Energies, Mark Thomas and the fifth race cup from the Chairman of Gulf Air, Khaled Taqi.
The Regional Director of Grand Seiko Bahrain Jewellery Centre, Joseph Nakashi, presented the fourth race cup to owner Hasan Abdulla.
The CEO of REHC, Yusuf Osama Buheji, presented the first race cup to Yusuf Taher.
A total of seven races were held for Bapco Energies, Beyon, the Economic Development Board, Grand Seiko – Bahrain Jewellery Centre, Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo-Lexus, Gulf Air.
Winners of the other races were also awarded with trophies, as follows:
The first race, held for the World Arabian Horse Organisation Cup over a distance of 1200 meters, was won by Kuheilan Al Adiyat 1894 from Victorious, trained by Yousif Taher and ridden by jockey Abdulrahim Jassim.
The second race, the Lexus Cup for locally bred handicap horses at 1600 meters, saw Braveheart from L & L Racing, trained by A.M. Smith and ridden by jockey Lee Newman, take first place.
In the third race, the Economic Development Board Cup for imported handicap horses at 1600 meters, Byline, owned by Al Adiyat Racing, trained by A.M. Smith, and ridden by jockey Seamie Heffernan, claimed first place.
The fourth race, the Grand SEIKO, Bahrain Jewellery Centre Cup for imported graded Class 1, Domestic Grade 1 horses at 1000 meters, was won by Ava Go Joe, owned by AMS Racing, trained by Ali Jan, and ridden by jockey Ebrahim Nader.
The fifth race, held for the Gulf Air Cup for locally bred WFA Maiden horses at a distance of 1200 meters, was won by Al Hadba, owned by Al Mohamediya Racing, trained by Abbas Al Mawali, and ridden by jockey Hasan Al Saffar.
The sixth race, the Beyon Cup for imported handicap horses at 1200 meters, was won by Instinctive Move from the Al Adiyat Racing stable, trained by A.M. Smith and ridden by jockey Seamie Heffernan.
The seventh race, held for the Bapco Energies Cup for imported handicap horses at a distance of 2400 meters, was won by Zagato from Al Mohamediya Racing stable, trained by Fawzi Nass and ridden by jockey Andrew Breslin.
Senior officials, diplomats, sponsor representatives, horse owners, trainers, jockeys, and horseracing enthusiasts attended the competition.
