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| Staff Writer |
The 2024-25 Bahrain racing season witnessed thrilling action across three prestigious events: the Bahrain International Trophy, the Bahrain Turf Series, and The King's Cup. From Spirit Dancer's historic consecutive victory to Sovereign Spirit's emotional triumph in the season finale, the campaign showcased Bahrain's growing prominence on the global racing stage.
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Spirit Dancer cemented his place in racing folklore, becoming the first dual winner of the Gr.2 Bahrain International Trophy with a breathtaking late charge under Oisin Orr at Rashid Equestrian & Horseracing Club. The race, held under floodlights for the first time, attracted runners from six racing jurisdictions and was broadcast worldwide to a record 25 broadcasters.
The Richard Fahey-trained gelding, owned by Sir Alex Ferguson and Ged Mason, overcame an injury setback to reclaim his crown, showcasing Fahey's masterful training abilities. Breaking from stall 11 – the same position as in his 2023 triumph – Spirit Dancer once again delivered a powerful late surge down the outside to secure victory.
"This is unbelievable. I don't know where he got it from. And what a ride by Oisin. He must have had four lengths to make up on the leader and I'm really proud of him as he sat motionless. He did not panic," said Ferguson after the race.
Co-owner Mason added, "Spirit Dancer loves it here. You think lightning won't strike twice but it has today. It's wonderful for Richard Fahey and the team back home; it's a credit to them to get the horse back after an injury. And I am so happy for this fella (Sir Alex) who bred him. Last year, it was a bit of tonic for him after he sadly lost Lady Kathy, and Sir Alex said she rode Spirit Dancer that time and she was on board again tonight."
Lead Artist, representing John & Thady Gosden with Kieran Shoemark aboard, claimed second place, marking the fourth time the Gosden team have trained the runner-up in this prestigious contest. Calif, owned by Victorious Racing and trained in France by Carlos and Yann Lerner with Adrie de Vries in the saddle, finished third, while Owen Burrows' consistent performer Alflaila completed the places in fourth with Jim Crowley in the saddle.
His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Rashid Equestrian & Horseracing Club, expressed his satisfaction with the event. "With the introduction of floodlights this year, it was the first time the Bahrain International Trophy has been run at night. The combination of a high-quality field and the excitement of racing under the lights produced a thrilling race. Arguably it was the best race ever held in the Kingdom, and I hope the international audience watching around the world enjoyed the spectacle as much as those attending on-course," said His Highness.
The Chairman also acknowledged the growing international reputation of Bahrain racing.
"We are very proud of how the Bahrain International Trophy has developed and the anticipation and interest before this year's race was the highest it has ever been. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the international participants who have supported the race and contributed to enhancing the profile of racing in Bahrain."
The Bahrain Turf Series opened with a historic moment as Snellen became the first Irish-trained winner in the country when landing the US$80,000 Al Muharraq Cup at Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club. The talented filly, trained by Gavin Cromwell and ridden by Gary Carroll, demonstrated her class in the 2000m contest.
"She didn't break very well, and Gary took her back and rode her for luck. They got all the splits, and she was really good. She certainly showed a turn of foot," said Cromwell after the victory. "The plan is to run again here in two weeks."
Carroll was equally impressed with the performance, adding, "She does have a bit of class about her. She's going on four now and she's got bigger and stronger and loves fast ground. It was her first time at a mile and a quarter, and she loved it. I think she'll go further, too. I got a lovely run through, and all the gaps came at the right time."
Majestic, trained by Jack Channon and ridden by David Probert, came home in second place, while Lion Of War from the Charlie Johnston yard filled the third spot with Alberto Sanna in the saddle.
In the sprint division, the US$80,000 Al Manama Cup over 1000m saw local hero Swift Asset deliver a blistering front-running performance under jockey Abdulrahim Jassim for trainer Jaber Ramadhan, carrying top-weight to a memorable victory on his seasonal debut. Formerly trained in the UK by Richard Hannon, Swift Asset has thrived since moving to Bahrain.
The sprint proved to be a dominant display for local trainers, with the first four positions all filled by Bahrain-based horses. The eight-strong international contingent struggled to make an impact, with Roman Dragon, trained by Hugo Palmer, faring best in fifth place. James Ferguson's Jubilee Walk followed in sixth.
For jockey Jassim, the victory marked a significant milestone. "It's a great feeling. It's my first Bahrain Turf Series win. It really means a lot. We all look forward to these races and to win one is special. I feel blessed and grateful."
Rosie Jessop and George Boughey combined to devastating effect as Spangled Mac stormed to victory in the US$80,000 Al Riffa Cup, the second round of the sprint division in the Bahrain Turf Series.
Bahrain-based Jessop delivered a perfectly timed ride aboard the improving 5YO, who was always prominent before asserting in the closing stages of the 1200m contest. Having clearly benefited from his local debut three weeks earlier, Spangled Mac proved too strong for previous Turf Series winners Rocket Rodney and Roman Dragon, trained by George Scott and Hugo Palmer, respectively, completing a clean sweep for the international raiders.
The victory marked Boughey's third success in Bahrain following Thunder Moor's exploits last season, providing welcome compensation after Mr Alan had gone close earlier on the card for owner Amo Racing Limited.
"Spangled Mac has really thrived since arriving in Bahrain," said a delighted Boughey. "He's taken to the track brilliantly and Rosie gave him a perfect ride. This series continues to be a fantastic target for our string."
The middle-distance division saw an equally impressive performance as Majestic came from last to first under a brilliant Seamie Heffernan ride to claim the US$80,000 Al Dana Cup over 2000m. The 7YO gelding was brought with a perfectly timed run down the outside in the home straight, sweeping past all rivals to win going away.
"That was absolute poetry from Seamie," said Jack Channon. "We've always believed Majestic had a big one in him out here, but to win like that against such a competitive field was beyond our expectations."
The locally trained Merlin's Beard from Osama Hashim's yard ran a tremendous race to finish second under Hussain Asghar, having made much of the running. Boughey's Mr Alan, ridden by Royston Ffrench, claimed third in a tight finish.
Phantom Flight capped a memorable evening for trainer George Scott and jockey Callum Shepherd as they teamed up to land a treble at Rashid Equestrian & Horseracing Club, concluding with victory in the Al Adiyat Cup, the third round of the middle-distance division of the Bahrain Turf Series.
The improving 5YO, making his Bahrain debut in the colours of HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa's Victorious Racing, wore down Sovereign Spirit in the closing stages of the US$80,000 contest, with last year's winner, Zagato, finishing third.
The victory marked Scott's fifth winner from just nine runners in Bahrain this season, highlighting his exceptional strike rate in the Kingdom. For Shepherd, it was a triumphant return to Bahrain following his successful partnership with Isle Of Jura last year, having spent a lengthy period sidelined through injury.
"Callum did great to get Phantom up, as it was a messy race. The horse showed his quality at the end. I was impressed with him. I had left a little bit to work on as I didn't want him completely ready to roll tonight and he will be back here in two weeks for The Crown Prince's Cup," said Scott.
The sprint division's Al Wasmiya Cup, run over the minimum trip of 1000m, went to the improving Ava Go Joe, who overhauled long-time leader and previous Bahrain Turf Series winner Swift Asset. The 7YO, ridden to victory by Ebrahim Nader – the leading rider in the Kingdom this season – and trained by Ali Jan, has now won four races this season.
A.M. Smith's Rebel At Dawn completed the placings in third, while Kiwano, trained by George Baker, did best of the international runners, finishing sixth.
Ava Go Joe's trainer, Jan, expressed pleasant surprise at the result. "He is a very consistent horse, and I was expecting a good run from him, but he is clearly improving with every race. He was already a good horse before this season, but this year, we have made some changes, and now we don't know where the improvement will stop."
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City House announced himself as a rising star by taking the Al Hawar Cup in round four of the Bahrain Turf Series sprint division, providing another success for the formidable partnership of trainer George Scott and jockey Callum Shepherd. The improving 4YO defied top weight to claim victory over the 1200m trip.
Carrying top weight proved no obstacle for City House as he delivered an impressive performance. Having only recently transitioned from local races to the competitive Bahrain Turf Series after an eye-catching success over 1400m a fortnight earlier, the 4YO showed his versatility by dropping back in trip.
The gelding was brought with a perfectly timed run down the centre of the track by Shepherd, running down fellow international visitor Walbank, trained by George Boughey and ridden by Billy Loughnane, to land the spoils much to the delight of his enthusiastic owners, Fox and Badger Racing, who had travelled from the UK and Dubai to witness the success.
"He is a horse that has really thrived out here. Because we were coming back on the trip, it took me to halfway to come on the bit but then he travelled really well and won in good style," said Shepherd after the race.
In the Anchorman Cup, 23-year-old Hussain Asghar created a small piece of history by becoming the first graduate of the Bahrain Jockey Academy to win a Bahrain Turf Series race. Riding Merlin's Beard for trainer Osama Hashim in the fifteen-runner middle distance division, Asghar led home a one-two for owner Al Mohamediya Racing, with the Marco Botti-trained Soldier's Empire, ridden by Neil Callan, claiming second place.
The international presence was further emphasised with two more overseas horses filling the minor placings – Mr Alan, trained by George Boughey, took third while Oliver Show, also from the Boughey yard, completed the placings. Both Merlin's Beard and Mr Alan had previously been placed in an earlier round behind Jack Channon's Majestic, who this time finished unplaced.
Phantom Flight maintained his impressive Bahrain form with a commanding victory in the HRH The Crown Prince's Cup at Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club in January, giving trainer George Scott and jockey Callum Shepherd another significant triumph in their remarkable winter campaign.
The 6YO gelding, representing Victorious Racing, tracked the strong early pace before powering through to challenge the locally trained Sovereign Spirit inside the final furlong. Showing improved tenacity, Phantom Flight pulled clear to win by half a length, with Zagato a further length back in third for trainer Fawzi Nass and jockey Neil Callan.
Following his graduation from the Bahrain Turf Series races to this US$ 150,000-Listed contest, Phantom Flight's connections immediately targeted the Neom Cup at the Saudi Cup meeting as their next objective.
"It was very smooth, wasn't it? He just went round there like a go-kart," said Scott afterwards. "Callum is riding so confidently, and the horse has had a really nice experience there. It sets us up for a tilt at the Neom Cup in Saudi Arabia, which is very exciting. It is lovely to get this win for His Highness Shaikh Nasser."
The international challenge was completed by Irish-trained filly Snellen in fourth, while Godolphin's veteran Passion And Glory came home fifth, unable to make an impact on the principals.
Shepherd, continuing his excellent partnership with Scott, reflected, "He's a horse that, frankly, I am still trying to figure out and get to know how to get the best out of him. There was a really good tempo which kept the race clean, and my horse travelled into it really nice."
Earlier on the card, Bahrain Turf Club ambassador Tom Marquand registered his first-ever winners in Bahrain in spectacular style, landing a memorable treble. All three victories came in the navy blue and white colours of His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa's Al Adiyat Racing, with the horses trained by Alan Smith.
Roman Dragon delivered a storming performance to claim the US$80,000 Al Sakhir Cup, giving trainer Hugo Palmer and jockey Harry Davies their first winners of the season in Bahrain at Rashid Equestrian & Horseracing Club.
The 6YO gelding, a six-time winner around the tight turns of Chester, demonstrated his versatility by mastering the straight track in Bahrain once again. Building on his success in the Bahrain Turf Series last season, Roman Dragon produced a powerful late surge to overhaul Desert Cop in the closing stages of the 1000m contest, which formed round five in the sprint division of the Bahrain Turf Series.
Davies, securing his first winner of the Bahrain season, delivered a perfectly timed ride and was full of praise for his willing partner. "It panned out perfectly for me,” he reflected. “I got the lead I wanted, which took me to the furlong pole. And then he was very game. Here they go very fast in the sprints, so being able to stay that bit further will always help you out."
"He's a legend, this horse. Hugo and the team have had so much fun with him, and for him to win out here again is just fantastic. I am also delighted with Nick Hughes, the owner (with Michael Owen). They love their racing, and I am sure they will be celebrating back at home."
Earlier on the card, Zagato caused a minor upset when defeating hot favourite Phantom Flight in the His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa Cup. The race, enjoying its first running since promotion to Listed status, saw recent Crown Prince's Cup winner Phantom Flight comprehensively beaten by Zagato, representing Al Mohamediya Racing, trainer Fawzi Nass, and jockey Neill Callan.
Having finished behind Phantom Flight on his previous outings, as well as trailing Saudi Arabia's Neom Cup contender Sovereign Spirit, Zagato turned the tables in convincing style. The 2022 King’s Cup winner clearly relished the step up to 2200m, according to his rider.
"He's actually been running well this season; he's just been running over distances too short for him. We knew Phantom Flight was going to be a tough nut to crack, but if there's a nut to be cracked, this is the horse to do it. I am so pleased to be associated with His Highness Shaikh Sultan and his family and this win means a lot," said Callan.
There was further success for Al Mohamediya Racing when Knight Of Honour claimed the Bahrain Vision Cup, completing a swift double for the prominent owners. The victory came in round five of the middle-distance division of the Bahrain Turf Series. Building on his success just seven days earlier, Knight Of Honour prevailed in a much more competitive contest as 17 horses contested a fast-run 1800m event.
In a tight finish, he held off international challenger Killybegs Warrior, who was having just his second run for trainer George Baker. Bleak claimed third place, while two more international raiders, Snellen and Mr Alan, finished close up but just outside the placings in a thrilling contest that showcased the growing international appeal of Bahrain racing.
Soldier's Empire delivered a perfectly timed challenge to clinch the International Handicap and the US$40,000 bonus prize on the final day of the 2024-25 Bahrain Turf Series, giving trainer Marco Botti his first winner in the Kingdom.
The Al Mohamediya Racing-owned gelding had been knocking on the door throughout the series, collecting points for placed efforts, but saved his best for last when taking the US$100,000 feature under a brilliant Neil Callan ride.
Breaking from a wide draw, Callan had to be at his tactical best to weave through the field, finding gaps where none seemed to exist before producing Soldier's Empire with a decisive late burst to deny the Amo Racing-owned Mr Alan, trained by George Boughey and ridden by Billy Loughnane.
"I am not sure where I found the gaps; it's probably just instinct," said Callan afterwards. "Credit has to go to His Highness Shaikh Sultan, as I kept telling him this horse is a miler, he's not getting home, so he said to me, 'ride him to get the trip and be the last to play'. So, we did that today and the horse duly delivered."
The victory earned Soldier's Empire 15 points, taking his series total to 35 – enough to secure the top spot in the middle-distance division ahead of Mr Alan and Majestic.
For Newmarket-based Botti, the win represented a satisfying conclusion to his Bahrain campaign. "I am delighted to have won the division of the Turf Series and delighted for the owner, His Highness Shaikh Sultan, after the support he has given us," he said.
"It was a pleasure to watch. It was an excellent ride from Neil Callan from a tricky outside draw. They went fast, which he enjoyed, and he has a good turn of foot. The horse deserved to win because he's been so consistent here all season."
The sprint division culminated in the Al Fateh Cup, which produced an unexpected result when Nationwide triumphed under Stephane Ladjadj for trainer Fawzi Nass and Victorious Racing, with Desert Cop again running creditably in second for George Baker and Callum Shepherd.
Despite finishing only ninth on the day, Roman Dragon had accumulated enough points throughout the series to claim the US$40,000 bonus for owners Nick Hughes and Michael Owen. The dramatic conclusion to both divisions provided a fitting finale to day one of The King's Cup Festival, further cementing the Bahrain Turf Series as a significant winter campaign destination for international connections.
Sovereign Spirit delivered an emotional triumph for trainer Jaber Ramadhan in Friday's prestigious His Majesty The King's Cup at Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club, ending the handler's 20-year wait to claim the coveted trophy.
The 5YO gelding, representing Al Afoo Racing, produced a game front-running performance under jockey Tomas Lukasek to secure the newly promoted Group Three contest by a half-length, completing the 2,400-metre distance ahead of former winner Zagato in a thrilling finish worth US$200,000.
King Of Conquest filled the third spot for Godolphin and trainer Charlie Appleby with Richard Mullen in the saddle, while Phantom Flight secured fourth place for Victorious and trainer George Scott under Callum Shepherd.
The international contingent, including Phantom Flight and Military Academy, both pulled too hard early and ultimately had too much ground to make up after being held up off the steady early gallop.
His Majesty King Hamad graciously patronised the event, alongside His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and REHC Chairman Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, adding significant prestige to the evening's proceedings.
An emotional Ramadhan couldn't hide his delight after the race. "I have been waiting 20 years for The King's Cup,” he said passionately. “ It was not easy, but we are so glad to have the winner on a special day like today, in front of His Majesty. It was a high-class race, and I have respect for all the other trainers, jockeys and horses. It is great to have a good owner to support you, Al Afoo Racing, and I am very happy for the owner and the team."
Following this Group Three success, Ramadhan revealed ambitious future plans for his stable star."Today was going to be Sovereign Spirit's final run of the season,” he explained. “ But if another opportunity were to come along, we would be ready for it. And the Sheema Classic, why not?"
Earlier on the card, the striking grey Goemon confirmed his status as Bahrain's leading miler with an emphatic success in the Listed Al Methaq Mile, worth US$100,000. The 6YO, owned by Mohammed Khalid Abdulrahim and trained by Haider Ebrahim, has been revitalised since dropping back in distance this season.
With Ebrahim Nader replacing the injured Alberto Sanna, Goemon followed up his excellent third in the Gr.2 1351 Turf Sprint in Riyadh with a convincing three-length Listed win – his first international pattern success and fourth victory of the season.
Oliver Show claimed second for Pompey Ventures 2, trainer George Boughey and jockey Billy Loughnane, while General Panic was a short head away in third for Mohammed Abdulhadi Al Hajri, trainer Ibrahim Al Malki and Lukasek. Army Ethos completed the frame for Victorious and Fawzi Nass.
Friday's exciting eight-race card featured two other King's Cups. Abdulrahim Jasim claimed the US$55,000 His Majesty The King's Cup for Shaikh Isa bin Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa, trainer Kuwaiti, and Abdulrahim Jasim, finishing a half-length ahead of Mediterranean Moon, who represented M and E Racing and trainer AM Smith with Lee Newman.
California was third for Abdulla Sami Nass and Fawzi Nass with Harry Davies, while fourth was Midhaal for Shaikh Isa bin Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa.
The US$20,000 His Majesty The King's Cup over 1,600m went to Tuwaisan 1844 for owners Al Riffa, trainer Yousif Alboainain and jockey Ebrahim Nader, ahead of Obeyan 1777, Obeyan 1867, and Musannan 1811.
Desert Cop won the US$40,000 Chairman's Cup for George Baker Racing Bahrain Syndicate and trainer George Baker with Callum Shepherd, while Fanatic claimed the US$30,000 Bapco Energies Cup for Victorious, Nass, and Harry Davies.
In race two, the REHC Cup with US$16,000 in winnings was lifted by Hizaam, racing for Shaikh Salman bin Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa, Kuwaiti, and Abdulrahim Jasim; while in race seven for The Avenues-Bahrain Cup, offering US$16,000, Zeal delivered first place for the Mohammed Khalid Abdulrahim-Haider Ebrahim-Ebrahim Nader combination.
The final day's action brought the curtain down on a memorable 2024-25 Bahrain racing season that has significantly enhanced the Kingdom's status on the international racing stage. From the floodlit spectacle of the Bahrain International Trophy to the exciting competitive action throughout the Bahrain Turf Series and the historic success of Sovereign Spirit in The King's Cup, the season showcased the best of both Bahraini racing and international competition.
As connections already begin to plan for the 2025-26 season, Bahrain's position as an attractive winter destination for quality international raiders continues to strengthen, while the success of locally trained horses against top-class opposition demonstrates the increasing depth of talent within the Kingdom's racing industry.