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| Staff Writer |
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The upcoming 2024-25 season represents a significant milestone in the development of horseracing in Bahrain, with the installation of floodlights and the expansion of the Bahrain Turf Series, boosting its total value to over US$1 million.
In the previous year, the Bahrain Turf Club introduced exciting upgrades to the kingdom’s most prestigious race, the Bahrain International Trophy. These enhancements included a prize fund increase to US$1 million and an elevation of the race's status to Group Two level.
This year, the emphasis is on the expansion of the Bahrain Turf Series, which was launched in 2021 to attract international runners to compete in Bahrain during the European winter. Three years after its inception, it was deemed fitting to build on the success of the series and broaden the international program to encompass all the premier races from the latter part of the season.
Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club High Committee chairman Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa said: “I am pleased to announce both an expansion of the Bahrain Turf Series and the introduction of floodlit racing, a bold initiative that will elevate the spectacle of racing in Bahrain to a new level and enable our season to continue to flourish.
“For the first time, our most prestigious races, including the Crown Prince’s Cup and the King’s Cup, will all fall within the Bahrain Turf Series calendar. The move, coupled with the new floodlights, provides more flexibility to the race programme, and is intended to make racing in Bahrain an even more attractive and compelling proposition to international visitors.”
Yusuf Buheji, the CEO of the Bahrain Turf Club, commented, "The last season witnessed some remarkable moments, most notably the first US$1 million running of the Bahrain International Trophy. It was won in impressive style by Spirit Dancer, which Sir Alex Ferguson, his co-owner and breeder, described as 'the best moment of his racing life'."
“That was followed by a wonderful season of racing during which Victorious Racing’s Isle Of Jura progressed from Bahrain Turf Series runner to King’s Cup victor and then on to Royal Ascot winner.
“The stories of both Spirit Dancer and Isle Of Jura showcase the opportunities available for international horses coming to Bahrain.”
For the 2024-25 season, the Bahrain Turf Series has been expanded to include 12 races, now collectively valued at US$1 million with an additional US$80,000 available in bonuses.
The series is scheduled to commence on December 20 and conclude on March 7, featuring two handicaps, each worth US$100,000, set to be held during the season’s final weekend, alongside the highlight event, The King’s Cup.
The expansion of the Bahrain Turf Series now encompasses all the premier races in the second half of the season, streamlining the international program.
This development offers an easier path for horses to progress, similar to last season’s standout performer, Isle Of Jura, who advanced from Bahrain Turf Series handicaps to pattern races by winning The Crown Prince’s Cup and The King’s Cup.
The Crown Prince’s Cup, Shaikh Nasser Cup, The Al Methaq Mile, and The King’s Cup, along with other prestigious races, now align with the schedule of the international program, coinciding with the 12 Bahrain Turf Series races.
The 2024 edition of the US$1M Bahrain International Trophy is set to be held on November 15 at REHC, with entries for the 1m2f (2,000m) event closing at noon on October 2.
In the previous year, Spirit Dancer, trained by Richard Fahey and ridden by Oisin Orr, emerged victorious in a competitive field, with Group Two and recent Royal Ascot winner Israr finishing second, and Aidan O’Brien’s Point Lonsdale securing the third position.