Sovereign Spirit Seeks Tenth Career Victory In Crown Prince's Cup Showdown
Hi Royal Heads Challengers On Eight-Race Card
The second day of the Crown Prince's Festival at Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club features an eight-race programme highlighted by the Gr.3 Crown Prince's Cup, with total prize money exceeding US$390,000 across the card.
Gr.3 Crown Prince's Cup - US$200,000
Sovereign Spirit will be attempting to add another significant victory to his impressive nine-race winning record when he faces formidable opposition including Hi Royal in the Gr.3 Crown Prince's Cup at Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club. The Jaber Ramadhan-trained gelding, owned by Al-Afoo Racing, has established himself as one of Bahrain's most reliable performers over middle distances, whilst Hi Royal brings strong credentials for Al Mohamediya Racing under the guidance of Kevin Ryan, having shown Group-level quality in his previous campaigns.
The feature contest over 2000 metres represents the pinnacle of the card, carrying prize money of US$200,000 and attracting an eight-runner field of genuine quality. Paul Mulrennan takes the mount on Sovereign Spirit, whose consistency has made him a formidable competitor, whilst Neil Callan partners Hi Royal, seeking to capture another major prize for the powerful Al Mohamediya operation.
The Crown Prince's Cup has drawn together proven performers operating at the highest domestic level. Cracksking, prepared by Daniel and Claire Kubler for Al Adiyat Racing, brings solid credentials with six career victories and arrives as a genuine threat under Ebrahim Nader. The 6YO gelding has shown his best form when allowed to dictate proceedings and the straight 2000-metre configuration should prove ideal for his racing style.
Tawaareq represents Victorious Forever's challenge, with Stephane Ladjadj taking the reins on the 8YO who has accumulated nine victories throughout his career. Trained by Fawzi Nass, the gelding has proven particularly effective at this venue and arrives in good order following recent preparations. His experience over the distance gives him a significant advantage.
Panning For Gold adds further depth to the field for Al Mohamediya Racing, partnered by Jason Hart and trained by Mohamed Hasan. The 6YO gelding's seven career victories demonstrate his ability at this level. Champagne Prince, representing Mohammed Khalid Abdulrahim under Haider Ebrahim's care, completes the main contenders with five wins to his credit. Nesthorn provides additional quality for The HaveHorseWillTravel Partnership under Callum Shepherd and George Baker, whilst King Of The Throne rounds out the field for Al-Afoo Racing.
Bahrain Mile (Domestic Grade 1) - US$50,000
The Bahrain Mile over 1600 metres carries substantial prize money of US$50,000 and has assembled a competitive seven-runner field for the domestic Grade One contest. No Retreat, trained by George Scott for Victorious Forever, emerges as a fascinating contender under Callum Shepherd. The 5YO gelding, despite having just two wins from his career, has operated at considerably higher levels previously and represents significant class in this assignment.
Byline brings extensive experience with 18 career victories for Al Adiyat Racing, partnered by Ebrahim Nader and prepared by the Kubler team. The 9YO gelding's remarkable consistency has seen him compete successfully across numerous seasons, and his familiarity with local conditions provides a distinct advantage. His rating of 108 positions him prominently amongst the field, though he faces younger rivals seeking to establish their credentials.
Royal Scimitar adds further quality for Al Mohamediya Racing under Jason Hart, trained by Mohamed Hasan. The 8YO's six victories include success over this distance. Northern Express, representing Sekura Group with Paul Mulrennan aboard and Michael Dods training, brings proven form over similar distances and his seven career wins demonstrate his capabilities. Juantorena and Jehangeer provide additional depth to the contest.
Bahrain-Bred Crown Prince's Cup (Domestic Grade 1) - US$40,000
The locally-bred Crown Prince's Cup over 2000 metres presents 13 runners competing for US$40,000 in the domestic Grade One contest. Mudallal brings exceptional credentials with nine career victories for Al Mohamediya Racing under Jason Hart and Fawzi Nass. The 7YO gelding's consistency over staying distances positions him as a formidable competitor.
Galatia adds quality for the female runners with nine wins accumulated under Robert McDowall's guidance for HH Sh Hamad bin Abdulla bin Isa Al-Khalifa. The 6YO mare carries 56kg and her rating of 76 positions her prominently amongst the field. California represents Abdulla Sami Nass under Stephane Ladjadj and Fawzi Nass, bringing six career victories and a rating of 73.
Mediterranean Moon provides additional quality for M and E Racing with six victories under Luciano Emanuel Cabrera and Paul Smith. Hercules, Hizaam, Jbarah and Sinjar complete the main contenders, each bringing proven staying ability. Pheonix represents the 4YO generation for M and E Racing with four career victories.
Bahrain Derby (Domestic Grade 1) - US$30,000
The Bahrain Derby over 2000 metres concludes proceedings with six 4YOs competing for US$30,000 in the domestic Grade One assignment. South China Sea represents Al Adiyat Racing under Tom Marquand and the Kubler team's care, bringing competitive form to the contest with two career victories and a rating of 58.
Baraak adds quality for Al Mohamediya Racing under Neil Callan and Ali Abdulmajeed, having secured two victories and carrying a rating of 64 that positions him prominently. Pheonix completes the main contenders with four career victories for M and E Racing under Lee Newman and Paul Smith. Dick Dastardly adds further depth for the same connections, bringing two wins to the contest. Cosmic Power and Istanbul represent Al Adiyat Racing, both having secured single victories.
Arabian Crown Prince's Cup (Domestic Grade 2) - US$14,000
The opening Arabian race over 1400 metres presents nine runners competing for domestic Grade Two honours carrying US$14,000 in prize money. Tuwaisan, carrying top weight of 60kg for Al Riffa under Abdulla Faisal and Yousif Alboainain, brings eight career victories to the contest. The 7YO's consistency has made him a formidable competitor amongst the Arabian ranks.
Kuheilan Al Adiyat adds further quality for Victorious Forever, having accumulated nine wins throughout his career under Yousif Taher's training. The 6YO carries 57kg and represents a significant threat. Obeyan, representing Al Khaldiya under Rosie Jessop and Fawzi Nass, brings eight career victories and proven form at this level. Al Saqlawy provides additional depth for Victorious Forever with four wins.
Bahrain Turf Club Cup (Domestic Grade 2) - US$14,000
The Bahrain Turf Club Cup over 1000 metres has drawn six Bahrain-bred runners for domestic Grade Two competition carrying US$14,000 in prize money. Zeal emerges as the highest-rated competitor at 85, representing Mohammed Khalid Abdulrahim under Ebrahim Nader and Haider Ebrahim's care. The 5YO gelding's eight career victories demonstrate his quality amongst the locally-bred ranks.
Son Of Zous and Black Pearl provide further depth for M and E Racing under Paul Smith's guidance, rated at 73 and 61 respectively. Luna represents Al Mohamediya Racing's challenge under Neil Callan and Ali Abdulmajeed, bringing two career victories and a rating of 59. Waqiaah completes the main contenders with five career victories for Al-Afoo Racing under Callum Shepherd and Jaber Ramadhan.
The Howden Cup (Domestic Grade 2) - US$14,000
The Cup over 1200 metres straight has attracted eight runners for the domestic Grade Two assignment carrying US$14,000 in prize money. Alzahir, prepared by the Kubler team for Al Adiyat Racing, brings considerable experience with 10 career victories under Tom Marquand. The 6YO French-bred gelding's rating of 105 positions him as a formidable competitor in this company.
Devaste provides strong opposition for Al Mohamediya Racing, partnered by Jason Hart and trained by Osama Hashim. The 7YO's seven victories demonstrate his competitiveness at this level. Grand Grey adds quality for Al-Afoo Racing under Benoit De La Sayette and Jaber Ramadhan's guidance, bringing four career victories and a rating of 101 to the contest. Chandigah completes the main contenders, representing Al Sharq Racing with Szczepan Mazur.
Imported Handicap (Class 2) - US$14,000
The handicap contest over 1,000 metres has assembled 13 runners competing for US$14,000 in prize money. The Thin Blue Line heads the weights at 62kg for Al Mohamediya Racing under Jason Hart and Ali Abdulmajeed, bringing seven career victories to the assignment. The 8YO gelding's rating of 80 positions him as the horse to beat, though the burden of top weight presents a significant challenge.
Gwen John adds quality for Al-Afoo Racing, representing the 3YO generation with two wins already achieved under Jaber Ramadhan's training. The filly carries 55.5kg and her rating of 82 suggests she possesses considerable ability. Aparajeo and Baather both represent Al Mohamediya Racing, each having secured a single career victory.
Brooklyn Nine Nine brings three victories for Rashed Racing under Abdulla Faisal and Yousif Alboainain, whilst Labalaba adds further depth with three wins for Al Jood Racing. The competitive nature of the handicap ensures an open contest, with Neptunian, Garsman, Raahy, Ghaaleb, Vlad, Wojtek and Max Cruise completing the field.
CROWN PRINCE'S CUP (GROUP 3) - US$200,000 - 2000m
Sovereign Spirit (T: Jaber Ramadhan / J: Paul Mulrennan)
Cracksking (T: Daniel & Claire Kubler / J: Ebrahim Nader)
Hi Royal (T: Kevin Ryan / J: Neil Callan)
Tawaareq (T: Fawzi Nass / J: Stephane Ladjadj)
Panning For Gold (T: Mohamed Hasan / J: Jason Hart)
Champagne Prince (T: Haider Ebrahim / J: Benoit De La Sayette)
Nesthorn (T: George Baker / J: Callum Shepherd)
King Of The Throne (T: Jaber Ramadhan / J: Ahmed Maki)
BAHRAIN MILE (DOMESTIC GRADE 1) - US$50,000 - 1600m
Byline (T: Daniel & Claire Kubler / J: Ebrahim Nader)
No Retreat (T: George Scott / J: Callum Shepherd)
Royal Scimitar (T: Mohamed Hasan / J: Jason Hart)
Northern Express (T: Michael Dods / J: Paul Mulrennan)
Ecosystem (T: Haider Ebrahim / J: Benoit De La Sayette)
Juantorena (T: Fawzi Nass / J: Stephane Ladjadj)
Jehangeer (T: Ali Abdulmajeed / J: Neil Callan)
BAHRAIN-BRED CROWN PRINCE'S CUP (DOMESTIC GRADE 1) - US$40,000 - 2000m
Mudallal (T: Fawzi Nass / J: Jason Hart)
Galatia (T: Robert McDowall / J: Ebrahim Nader)
California (T: Fawzi Nass / J: Stephane Ladjadj)
Midhaal (T: Abdulla Kuwaiti / J: Lewis Edmunds)
Mediterranean Moon (T: Paul Smith / J: Luciano Emanuel Cabrera)
Hizaam (T: Abdulla Kuwaiti / J: Callum Shepherd)
Pheonix (T: Paul Smith / J: Lee Newman)
Hercules (T: Mahmood Jawad / J: Szczepan Mazur)
Realm (T: Haider Ebrahim / J: Tom Marquand)
Jerusalema (T: Haider Ebrahim / J: Benoit De La Sayette)
Sinjar (T: Abdulla Kuwaiti / J: Abdulla Faisal)
Jbarah (T: Jaber Ramadhan / J: Paul Mulrennan)
BAHRAIN DERBY (DOMESTIC GRADE 1) - US$30,000 - 2000m
Baraak (T: Ali Abdulmajeed / J: Neil Callan)
South China Sea (T: Daniel & Claire Kubler / J: Tom Marquand)
Dick Dastardly (T: Paul Smith / J: Lee Newman)
Cosmic Power (T: Daniel & Claire Kubler / J: Benoit De La Sayette)
Istanbul (T: Daniel & Claire Kubler / J: Ebrahim Nader)
Tomahawk (T: Fawzi Nass / J: Stephane Ladjadj)
ARABIAN CROWN PRINCE'S CUP (DOMESTIC GRADE 2) - US$14,000 - 1400m
Tuwaisan (T: Yousif Alboainain / J: Abdulla Faisal)
Kuheilan Al Adiyat (T: Yousif Taher / J: Muanis Al Siyabi)
Obeyan 1777 (T: Fawzi Nass / J: Rosie Jessop)
Obeyan 1847 (T: Adel Abdulla / J: Ebrahim Nader)
Obeyan 1893 (T: Abdulla Kuwaiti / J: Lewis Edmunds)
Al Saqlawy (T: Yousif Taher / J: Hussain Asghar)
Musannan (T: Ali Abdulmajeed / J: Neil Callan)
Al Shawaf (T: Adel Abdulla / J: Marcialis Jaures)
Al Krush (T: Jaffar Marzooq / J: Adnan Jaffar)
BAHRAIN TURF CLUB CUP (DOMESTIC GRADE 2) - US$14,000 - 1000m
Zeal (T: Haider Ebrahim / J: Ebrahim Nader)
Son Of Zous (T: Paul Smith / J: Lee Newman)
Waqiaah (T: Jaber Ramadhan / J: Callum Shepherd)
Black Pearl (T: Paul Smith / J: Luciano Emanuel Cabrera)
Luna (T: Ali Abdulmajeed / J: Neil Callan)
Shgardi (T: Jaber Ramadhan / J: Ahmed Maki)
THE HOWDEN CUP (DOMESTIC GRADE 2) - US$14,000 - 1200m
Devaste (T: Osama Hashim / J: Jason Hart)
Chandigah (T: Mahmood Jawad / J: Szczepan Mazur)
Alzahir (T: Daniel & Claire Kubler / J: Tom Marquand)
Grand Grey (T: Jaber Ramadhan / J: Benoit De La Sayette)
Desert Cop (T: George Baker / J: Callum Shepherd)
Grand City Hall (T: Reyadh Ahmed / J: Neil Callan)
Edward Cornelius (T: Ali Abdulmajeed / J: Hasan Al Saffar)
What A Business (T: Jaffar Radhi / J: Sandro Paiva)
IMPORTED HANDICAP - US$14,000 - 1000m
The Thin Blue Line (T: Ali Abdulmajeed / J: Jason Hart)
Gwen John (T: Jaber Ramadhan / J: Benoit De La Sayette)
Aparajeo (T: Mohamed Hasan / J: Hussain Asghar)
Baather (T: Osama Hashim / J: Neil Callan)
Brooklyn Nine Nine (T: Yousif Alboainain / J: Abdulla Faisal)
Labalaba (T: Adel Abdulla / J: Hasan Al Saffar)
Neptunian (T: Abdulla Kuwaiti / J: Lewis Edmunds)
Garsman (T: Osama Hashim / J: Ebrahim Nader)
Vlad (T: Jaber Ramadhan / J: Callum Shepherd)
Raahy (T: Yousif Alboainain / J: Mark Lawson)
Ghaaleb (T: Mahmood Jawad / J: Szczepan Mazur)
Wojtek (T: Jaber Ramadhan / J: Mirko Sanna)
Max Cruise (T: Abdulla Kuwaiti / J: Adnan Jaffar)