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| Staff Writer |
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Nationwide and Soldier's Empire delivered commanding performances in the final two contests of the 2024-25 Bahrain Turf Series last night at Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club in Sakhir.
Storming to victory in the Al Fateh Cup, the 7YO gelding Nationwide claimed top honours for owners Victorious Racing and trainer Fawzi Nass, with Stephane Ladjadj guiding him to a two-length triumph in the 1,200-metre Gr.1 contest worth US$100,000.
Desert Cop, representing George Baker Racing Bahrain Syndicate and handled by George Baker with Callum Shepherd aboard, secured second place. Cover Point finished third for Al Afoo Racing, Jaber Ramadhan and Connor Beasley, whilst The Thin Blue Line completed the frame for Al Mohamediya Racing, Ali Abdulmajeed and Hasan Al Saffar.
Taking centre stage in the 2,000-metre International Handicap, worth US$100,000, Soldier's Empire delivered a polished performance for Mohamediya Racing, trainer Marco Botti and jockey Neil Callan.
The 4YO gelding finished a length-and-a-quarter clear of Mr Alan, representing Amo Racing Limited, George Boughey and Billy Loughnane. Killybegs Warrior claimed third for connections Baker, Fish, King, Tracey, with Patrick Cosgrave in the saddle, whilst Snellen completed the quartet for Lindsay Laroche, Gavin Cromwell and Gary Carroll.
The evening's action, forming part of His Majesty the King's Cup Festival, also saw Juantorena landing the Coolmore Cup worth US$12,000 for the Victorious-Nass-Ladjadj combination.
Raheel secured the Mazad Sprint Cup (US$8,000) for the Afoo-Ramadhan-Beasley team, whilst Son Of Zous took the Grand Seiko-Bahrain Jewellery Centre Cup (US$8,000) for M and E Racing, AM Smith and Marcialis Jaures.
Completing the card, Silk Road claimed the Auction Cup (US$8,000) for Al Adiyat Racing, Smith and Tom Marquand, with Baather winning the Lexus Cup (US$8,000) for Mohamediya, Osama Hashim and Al Saffar