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| Staff Writer |
The Bahrain International Trophy's rapid rise to prominence on the international racing calendar continues to gather momentum, with the 2024 renewal attracting high-class entries from around the globe including Spirit Dancer, seeking a remarkable third major Middle Eastern victory.
The US$1 million Group Two contest, scheduled for November 15 at the Rashid Equestrian & Horseracing Club, will stage a fascinating rematch between Spirit Dancer and Japanese raider Killer Ability, who finished first and second in this year's US$2m Howden Neom Turf Cup.
That Saudi Arabian clash saw Richard Fahey's charge, bred and part-owned by Sir Alex Ferguson, produce a commanding performance under Oisin Orr. After tracking the pace set by Jack Darcy and Luxembourg, Spirit Dancer powered clear in the straight to win by a length from the Deep Impact son Killer Ability, with Calif third.
Killer Ability, a Group One winner in Japan when taking the final top-level turf contest of 2021, will bid to reverse that form. His rider Cristian Demuro reflected after Saudi. saying, "He didn't win but he ran the perfect race. He was on the rail, he quickened, he just found one too good."
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The Rashid Equestrian & Horseracing Club embodies Bahrain's deep-rooted equine tradition, where horses have been integral to the culture for centuries. The Royal Family of Bahrain has preserved a unique collection of pure-bred Arabian horses on the island for over 200 years.
Racing's formal organisation in Bahrain began in 1948 when a committee was established to unite the sport under one authority. Previously, racing had been conducted in private meetings exclusively featuring pure Arabian horses. The sport's development reached a significant milestone in 1977 when the Amir of Bahrain issued a decree establishing the Rashid Equestrian & Horseracing Club as the nation's sole racing authority. The Club's evolution mirrors Bahrain's racing progress, developing from a modest track and stand in Manama to its current impressive facility in Raffa, established in 1981.
The Bahrain International Trophy's growing prestige is reflected in its distinguished list of winners. Spirit Dancer claimed the 2023 renewal in impressive style, covering the 2000m in 2:02.31 under Oisin Orr, pulling clear in the final furlong to win by 1¾ lengths. His victory marked a significant milestone as the first running since the race's promotion to Group Two status.
French-trained Magny Cours, representing Andre Fabre, took the 2022 edition with a commanding performance under Mickael Barzalona, finishing in 2:02.98. The previous year saw veteran campaigner Lord Glitters triumph for David O'Meara in 2:01.96, setting a course record that still stands. Bahraini-trained Simsir made history in 2020 as the first local winner, completing the course in 2:02.52 under Lee Newman for local Bahraini trainer Fawzi Nass.
Last year's hero Spirit Dancer is on course to attempt a historic defence of his crown for trainer Richard Fahey. The 7YO Frankel gelding, part-owned by Sir Alex Ferguson, created headlines with his victory in 2023 before following up in the Neom Turf Cup in Saudi Arabia.
"Spirit Dancer is in great form," confirms Fahey. "He will have a prep run at Newmarket in the Darley Stakes, following the same route that he took last year. We all had an amazing trip and experience in Bahrain and the team are really looking forward to going back."
Ferguson adds, "It was a fantastic experience from start to finish. The hospitality was incredible, the racing surface was excellent, and the whole event had a real international feel about it. We couldn't have asked for more."
The international challenge is headed by Japanese Group One winner Killer Ability, trained by Takashi Saito. The 5YO son of Deep Impact proved his international credentials when chasing home Spirit Dancer in February's US$2m Neom Turf Cup, with rider Cristian Demuro praising his perfect trip before finding one too good. His career highlight came when winning the final top-level turf contest of 2021 in Japan, and he adds significant international prestige to this year's renewal.
European representation includes Charlie Appleby's Nations Pride, while German challenger Calif looks to improve on his third place behind Spirit Dancer and Killer Ability in Saudi Arabia. Multiple Group One winner Nashwa could provide strong British interest.
Ed Veale, Director of Racing and International Relations for the Bahrain Turf Club said, "We are delighted that the Bahrain International Trophy has attracted entries of such quality. The event's status in the racing calendar is growing year on year and to have attracted Japanese-based horses for the first time is testament to that."
Leading owner-breeder operations are well represented with HH The Aga Khan fielding the Francis-Henri Graffard-trained duo Dolayli and Zarir, while Shadwell Estate will be represented by Owen Burrows' high-class performer Alflaila.
The Bahrain-based home team is expected to be headed by El Habeeb and Sprewell, alongside Sovereign Spirit, who finished runner-up to Isle Of Jura in last season's King's Cup. The local contingent has strengthened considerably in recent years, reflecting the ongoing investment in Bahrain's racing industry.
Fawzi Nass, reflecting on Simsir's historic success as the first local winner in 2020, adds, "That victory showed what Bahrain racing can achieve. We've invested heavily in facilities and programmes to match international standards, and now we're seeing the results with more top-class horses targeting our races."
George Scott's Isle Of Jura, bought specifically for Shaikh Nasser's Victorious Racing operation, proved another outstanding advertisement for Bahrain racing. Winning four of his five races and pulling off a notional 'Triple Crown' of sorts in the three-month Bahrain Turf Series, Isle Of Jura demonstrated the opportunities available in the expanding racing program.
Scott described the experience as "unbelievable" and "the absolute pinnacle of my career so far." The trainer particularly praised the facilities, "The stables are fantastic – they are all new, with air conditioning – and the training facilities are great too, with two different tracks, a big one and a small one, and two different surfaces."
The Turf Club's fast-evolving programme is set for another major boost through the installation of floodlights, which will elevate the spectacle and enable Bahrain to host the best racing within its international calendar.
Ed Veale explains, "The floodlights unlock such flexibility with the programme going forward. We've been able to add two additional handicaps. But more importantly, the three-month window during which the internationals are here will now conclude at the two-day King's Cup fixture in early March, which we are trying to elevate as an international day."
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The 2024-25 season features a significantly expanded Bahrain Turf Series, now comprising twelve races worth a total of US$1 million, plus US$80,000 in bonuses. Running from 20 December to 7 March, the series incorporates all premier races from the second half of the season, including the Crown Prince's Cup and the King's Cup.
Andre Fabre endorsed the development, stating, "More and more we have to go for the international competition and Bahrain is part of the circuit. I'm sure it'll be really important for the coming years."
The strategic positioning of Bahrain's expanded racing program creates an attractive progression through the Middle East circuit. The series now provides a clear path from the Bahrain International Trophy through to the Saudi Cup meeting and Dubai World Cup carnival.
The expanded series targets horses rated between 85-102 to compete against locally-trained horses, of which there are currently more than 600, many of them imported. This rating band has proved successful, as demonstrated by Isle Of Jura's remarkable progression through the programme before his subsequent Group Two success at Royal Ascot.
The Bahrain International Trophy has become a significant driver for tourism in the Kingdom of Bahrain, known as the 'Pearl of the Gulf'. Visitors attending the prestigious race meeting can experience the nation's rich cultural heritage, from the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Qal'at al-Bahrain (Bahrain Fort) to the traditional pearl diving sites.
Visitors to the Kingdom can immerse themselves in Bahrain's rich cultural tapestry. The ancient Dilmun Burial Mounds, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to 2050 B.C., offer insights into the nation's ancient civilisation. The Al-Jasra Handicraft Centre showcases traditional Bahraini crafts, including pottery, weaving, and traditional chest making, while the iconic Bab Al-Bahrain building marks the entrance to the historic Manama Souq.
The capital's souq district comes alive with traditional commerce, featuring everything from spices and perfumes to pearls and gold. Bahrain's pearl diving heritage, once the backbone of its pre-oil economy, can be explored through specialised heritage experiences, with some tours offering visitors the chance to dive for their own pearls in traditional waters.
Culinary enthusiasts can explore Bahrain's diverse gastronomic landscape. Local specialities include machboos, a fragrant rice dish with meat or fish, fresh hamour from the Arabian Gulf, and traditional sweets like halwa. The legendary Haji's Café, dating back to 1950, serves traditional Bahraini breakfast, while the Block 338 dining district in Adliya offers contemporary interpretations of Middle Eastern cuisine.
November's moderate temperatures provide ideal conditions for both racing and sightseeing.
Modern Bahrain offers luxury accommodations including the Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, and Sofitel properties, all within easy reach of the Rashid Equestrian & Horseracing Club.
The modern Bahrain International Circuit, home to Formula One racing, provides another sporting attraction, while the Tree of Life, a 400-year-old mesquite tree surviving in the desert, demonstrates nature's resilience in this historic land.
Recent years have seen participation from many of racing's leading figures. The race has attracted runners from a who's who of top trainers, including Aidan and Joseph O'Brien, Charlie Appleby, Andrew Balding, Ralph Beckett, John and Thady Gosden and Jessica Harrington.
Recent winners have been trained by David O'Meara and Saeed bin Suroor, demonstrating the international appeal of the contest. The success of locally-trained horses, coupled with victories for British and French challengers, showcases the race's competitive nature.
The floodlight installation marks another significant step in Bahrain's racing evolution. The new infrastructure will mitigate programming issues created by Ramadan, which advances by ten days each year, providing greater flexibility in scheduling the international programme.
The enhanced programme now includes two additional handicaps, each worth US$100,000, set to be run alongside the King's Cup at the season's finale weekend. All premier races in the second half of the season will fall within the dates of the international programme, creating a cohesive calendar for international participants.
The 2024 Bahrain International Trophy will be run over 2000m (1¼m) with a maximum field of fourteen runners permitted to face the starter at the Rashid Equestrian & Horseracing Club on 15 November.
The combination of significant prize money, world-class facilities, strategic timing within the international calendar, and Bahrain's rich cultural heritage makes this event a compelling addition to the global racing programme. With the expanded winter series and new floodlit capabilities, Bahrain continues its emergence as a significant force in international racing.
The ongoing development of both facilities and programme structure demonstrates the Bahrain Turf Club's commitment to establishing the Kingdom as a key destination on the international racing circuit, building on the foundations laid by recent success stories Spirit Dancer and Isle Of Jura.