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| Staff Writer |
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A star-studded evening of racing at Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club saw Mr Irrelevant and Malakye secure the flagship General Sports Authority Cups in a thrilling night of action under the lights at Sakhir.
The prestigious REHC National Day Horseracing Festival attracted high-profile attendees including National Guard commander Lieutenant-General Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa and REHC chairman Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa among other dignitaries.
Mr Irrelevant, representing Al Mohamediya Racing and trained by Fawzi Nass, demonstrated superior class in the evening's sixth race, powering to victory in the 1,600m GSA Cup under Andrew Breslin. Monty Bay claimed second for Al Mallah Racing, while Rawyaan completed the frame in third.
The 2,000m GSA Cup produced another memorable finish as 5YO Malakye, carrying the colours of Al Sadah Syndicate and trained by Jaffar Darwish, stormed home under Marcialis Jaures. Double Jump and Glen Savage filled the minor placings in a competitive renewal.
Previous winners of this prestigious race include the mighty Desert Crown, who went on to land the Gr.1 Epsom Derby, and Highland Reel, successful in seven Group One races globally including the Breeders' Cup Turf.
Silk Road and California added their names to the honour roll, claiming the remaining GSA Cups worth US$5,300 each. Labalaba, owned by Shaikh Isa bin Duaij bin Salman bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, captured the Bahrain Olympic Committee Cup over 1,400m.
The evening concluded with Fleet Admiral delivering a commanding performance in the final BOC Cup over 2,400m for trainer Fawzi Nass and jockey Stephane Ladjadj.
The action resumes today with an eight-race card featuring the Listed HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa Cup, carrying a purse of US$39,750, as the centrepiece of an afternoon programme beginning at 3:30pm.
Two additional HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa Cups and the National Day Cup, offering US$26,500 in prize money, complete a quality card as the festival builds towards its climax.