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| Staff Writer |
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His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club High Committee, has inaugurated the long-awaited Night Lighting project at the prestigious Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club. This development, implemented to meet the highest international standards, signals Bahrain’s ambition to further elevate its status as a global hub for horseracing.
The Night Lighting project is part of a broader strategy to attract participants from around the world, enhancing Bahrain’s footprint on the international racing stage. As part of this grand vision, the 2024/2025 season will introduce night races at the iconic track for the first time, a significant shift in the country's equestrian history. This innovative step aligns with the vision of His Majesty King
Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to elevate Bahrain’s equestrian sector.
The upcoming season is set to be a thrilling spectacle, as it expands the highly anticipated Bahrain Turf Series to twelve rounds. Additionally, the sixth edition of the Bahrain International Trophy will be under the lights, offering a truly unique experience for spectators and participants alike.
The Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club’s lighting project has been meticulously designed to meet global standards. A total of 68 lighting towers, each equipped with a power output of 1,000 lux, have been installed strategically around the track to ensure optimal visibility during night races. The project’s successful completion underlines the club’s commitment to creating an enhanced racing environment while also ensuring energy efficiency and sustainability.
Local racing will also see a marked expansion, with a growing number of races being held under the new lighting system. This reflects the club's efforts to nurture the development of the sport in Bahrain and foster a more competitive and inclusive racing calendar, allowing local talent to shine on both the domestic and international stages.
The Bahrain International Trophy, a race that continues to draw elite competitors from across the globe, has seen winners such as Lord Glitters and Dubai Future, whose illustrious careers have also shone in Gr.1 and Gr.2 races across Europe and the Middle East. Lord Glitters, a standout winner in the Bahrain Trophy, has gone on to capture notable victories in races such as the Gr.1 Jebel Hatta and Gr.1 Queen Anne Stakes, underlining the prestige of this event.
With night racing now a reality, the Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club is expected to see increased international interest and participation, as top stables from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East set their sights on Bahrain’s growing racing scene. This development not only enhances the appeal of the Bahrain Turf Series and International Trophy but positions the Kingdom as a premier global racing destination.
The introduction of night racing at the Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club is expected to raise the bar for equestrian events in Bahrain. The Kingdom’s ability to host night races places it on par with other major global racing centres, allowing it to offer a world-class experience to both participants and spectators. As the 2024/2025 season approaches, the excitement is palpable.
The Night Lighting project not only secures Bahrain’s place in the spotlight but also opens the door for the Kingdom to host more prominent international competitions, further bolstering its reputation as a key player in the global racing industry.