Elite Stayers Converge For Million-Dollar Prize
Tornado Alert And Royal Champion Head Bahrain Field
As the Gulf begins to cool down, Bahrain once again opens its doors to the world's top racehorses as the Gr.2 Bahrain International Trophy takes centre stage at the Rashid Equestrian & Horseracing Club. The Kingdom continues to cement its reputation as a premier destination for international competition, with a stellar cast headlined by Tornado Alert and Royal Champion set to contest the US$1 million Group Two prize. The 2YO son of Too Darn Hot trained by Saeed bin Suroor seeks to add further international success following his breakthrough Group One triumph in the Grosser Dallmayr Preis at Munich in July, whilst Karl Burke's charge brings progressive form having finished third in the Gr.1 Irish Champion Stakes in September.
Tornado Alert will battle with Royal Champion where the Saeed bin Suroor-trained runner arrives seeking to add further international success following his breakthrough Group One triumph in the Grosser Dallmayr Preis at Munich in July; whilst Karl Burke's charge brings progressive form having finished third in the Gr.1 Irish Champion Stakes in September.
Burke Banks On Proven Globetrotter
Royal Champion brings high-class European form having posted career-best efforts on his last two starts. The classy son of Shamardal will be Karl Burke's first runner in Bahrain. In July, the gelding won the Gr.2 York Stakes, beating Almaqam, before finishing an excellent third in the Gr.1 Irish Champion Stakes in September, earning him an automatic invitation to the Bahrain International Trophy.
The 7YO cruised through the one mile two-and-a-half-furlong contest at York, sprinting past Almaqam to score by a comfortable two- and three-quarter lengths under Clifford Lee. That victory represented a massive step up, with the gelding travelling strongly, throughout before his jockey pressed the button and he picked up decisively.
Owned by Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, Royal Champion has already gathered plenty of air miles having had a spell in Australia when trained by Anthony and Sam Freedman. He returned to Europe last year, joining Burke's increasingly powerful yard at the end of 2024. Royal Champion has continued to thrive under York-based Burke with a convincing victory in the Winter Derby at Southwell in February, taking the Group Three contest by a length and three quarters from Military Academy.
"Royal Champion will be my first runner in Bahrain, and I am really looking forward to visiting the Kingdom. The bar has been set high, but we will be doing our best to uphold the fine tradition of Yorkshire-trained horses in the race,” he asserted.
Bin Suroor Mount Leads Godolphin Challenge
Tornado Alert stormed to victory in the Grosser Dallmayr Preis at Munich in July, one of Europe's premier Group One races run over 10 furlongs, outclassing older horses on unfamiliar soft ground. The Too Darn Hot colt earned his well-deserved breakthrough at the highest level, following gallant performances in the Gr.1 2000 Guineas at Newmarket in May, the Gr.1 Derby at Epsom in June and the Gr.3 Hampton Court Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Bin Suroor has seen Tornado Alert finish fourth in the 2000 Guineas and sixth to Lambourn in the Derby. Wheeled back in the Hampton Court Stakes at Royal Ascot, the bay was second that day. The Munich triumph in July represented a significant breakthrough for the gelding, who had been knocking on the door at the highest level throughout the season.
Jockey Oisin Murphy gave the Godolphin runner a confident ride at Munich, positioning him prominently before making his move two furlongs out. Reverting to English after his German celebrations, Murphy added that they were uncertain about the soft ground but he loved it,” Murphey said. “He ran very well in the Derby, he was second at Royal Ascot and today he came to Munich and he was brilliant”.
The handler's expertise in preparing horses for Middle East conditions is unparalleled, having amassed countless victories throughout the region during his celebrated career. Bin Suroor has specifically targeted this race with Tornado Alert, believing the gelding's profile suits the contest perfectly.
Appleby Joins Bin Suroor’s Godolphin Assault
Military Order gives Godolphin a potentially decisive double-handed attack under the guidance of Charlie Appleby. The five-year-old has been in good heart this season, finishing second in the Group Three Winter Hill Stakes at Windsor in August, having earlier captured the Listed Magnolia Stakes at Kempton in April. The Frankel gelding also won the Group Three Winter Derby at Lingfield last year, demonstrating his effectiveness on the all-weather.
The Newmarket handler has enjoyed tremendous success with his international raiders in recent seasons, and Military Order represents the latest in a long line of stable stars aimed at lucrative prizes abroad. The dual Godolphin representation underlines how seriously the operation views this prize, with both Appleby and bin Suroor confident their respective charges can deliver victory.
Gosden Brings Clarehaven Firepower
Lion's Pride brings the formidable Clarehaven stable firepower to proceedings fresh from an impressive victory in the Godolphin Stakes at Newmarket in September. The 5YO caused a 20-1 surprise, storming to a seven-length success under Robert Havlin after making just his second start of the season. The son of Roaring Lion showed an electric turn of foot up the Rowley Mile, suggesting he has trained on considerably from three.
John and Thady Gosden's father and son team have assembled an enviable record in middle-distance contests throughout Europe, and their attention to detail when preparing horses for overseas assignments is legendary.
Lion's Pride will arrive at Sakhir in prime condition, with his pedigree suggesting the trip will suit ideally and connections quietly confident about landing this prestigious prize.
Bright Picture carries French hopes alongside trainer Andre Fabre, whose remarkable record in international competition needs no introduction. The Chantilly maestro rarely travels horses unless he feels they have genuine chances of victory, making this entry particularly significant.
Joseph O'Brien Seeks Breakthrough Moment
Galen flies the flag for Ireland under the guidance of Joseph O'Brien, whose international record has grown increasingly impressive since establishing his training operation. The 4YO arrives with solid Group Three form, having won the Alleged Stakes at the Curragh in April, making all to beat none other than St Leger winner Jan Brueghel. That victory demonstrated Galen's effectiveness when ridden prominently, with Dylan Browne McMonagle making his intentions clear from the outset. The County Kilkenny handler has shown himself adept at preparing horses for overseas assignments, and Galen's pedigree by Gleneagles suggests the distance should suit ideally. O'Brien will have ensured his charge arrives in peak condition for this valuable prize.
Persica Seeks Redemption Bid
Richard Hannon’s charge Persica adds more class and colour to this top-class field. The 4YO has found Group One company tough this season, finishing last of eight in the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury in May, though he had previously won at Group Three level. The handler has specifically targeted this race with Persica, believing a return to 10 furlongs on a sound surface could see the gelding bounce back to his best. Persica has shown progressive form when conditions suit and arrives having pleased connections in recent work. Hannon's Marlborough stable is firing on all cylinders, and any runner he sends abroad carries claims of reproducing his better efforts.
US$1 Million Tactical Battle Takes Shape
With a total of 68 horses entered, the 2025 Bahrain International Trophy attracted the deepest and most competitive entry in the race's history. A maximum field of 14 runners will go to post and the line-up for this year's renewal is taking shape
The race promises fascinating tactical intrigue, with several proven hold-up performers likely to require strong pace throughout. The Sakhir configuration should suit those with a finishing kick, making jockey judgement crucial in the closing stages.
Tornado Alert and Royal Champion head the considerations, but several others hold legitimate chances of upsetting the established order. The depth of quality throughout the field suggests a truly competitive renewal, with the winner likely needing to produce a career-best performance.
Tornado Alert (T: Saeed bin Suroor / J: Oisin Murphy)
Royal Champion (T: Karl Burke / J: Clifford Lee)
Military Order (T: Charlie Appleby / J: TBA)
Lion's Pride (T: John and Thady Gosden / J: Robert Havlin)
Bright Picture (T: Andre Fabre / J: TBA)
Galen (T: Joseph O'Brien / J: Dylan Browne McMonagle)
Persica (T: Richard Hannon / J: TBA)