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| Staff Writer |
HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, led proceedings at the Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club (REHC) in Sakhir, highlighting "the continuous progress of the Kingdom's equestrian sector, driven by strategic plans, projects, and initiatives aimed at its development."
His Royal Highness underscored that "horse racing is a vital part of the Kingdom's rich heritage" while emphasising "the significance of the Kingdom's hosting of local and international horse racing events, highlighting its national capabilities and the expertise of Team Bahrain." HRH noted that "Team Bahrain continues to enhance the Kingdom's regional and global standing in international sports arenas."
The festival was graced by HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty the King's Representative for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Chairman of the REHC High Committee, alongside other distinguished guests.
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Opening the card, Obeyan 1867 representing Al Wasmiya Stud captured the Crown Prince's Cup for purebred Bahraini Arabian horses (WAHO) over 1,400 metres. Under jockey Ebrahim Nader, the winner outdueled Kuheilan Al Adiyat 1894 in a compelling finish, continuing his successful season.
The second race saw What a Business, owned by Jawad A.Wahid Ahmed, claim the REHC Cup for imported handicappers over 1,000 metres after an exciting three-way battle to the line.
In the Howden Company Cup (1,600m), The Parent defied expectations for Al Adiyat Racing, producing a strong late surge to secure victory.
Hercules, carrying the colours of Abdulla Fawzi Nass, dominated the fourth race, the Bahrain Turf Club Cup for Class 1 locally-bred horses over 1,600 metres.
Al Adiyat Racing celebrated again in the fifth as Cracksking powered home in the 2,400-metre Bahrain Jockey Academy Cup under Tom Marquand.
The sixth race, the Bahrain Derby Cup (2,000m), fell to Lamie Jee, completing a remarkable treble for Al Adiyat Racing with a well-timed victory.
Galatia, owned by HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, maintained her impressive form in the seventh race, claiming the Crown Prince's Cup for locally-bred horses over 2,000 metres with a commanding performance against the division's finest.
The climactic eighth race saw Phantom Flight secure the Crown Prince's Cup for imported horses. Trainer George Scott's charge, under Callum Shepherd, powered past Sovereign Spirit inside the final furlong to win by half a length, with Zagato third, Irish raider Snellen fourth, and Godolphin's Passion And Glory fifth.
Scott reflected: "It was very smooth, wasn't it? He just went round there like a go-kart. Callum is riding so confidently, and the horse has had a really nice experience there and it sets us up for a tilt at the Neom Cup in Saudi, which is very exciting. It is lovely to get this win for His Highness Shaikh Nasser."
The ceremonies saw HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad presenting the Crown Prince's Cup for imported horses to HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and the Bahrain Derby Cup to HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa presented the Crown Prince's Cup for locally produced horses to HH Shaikh Hamad bin Abdullah bin Isa Al Khalifa, while HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman received the Howden Cup from Mr. David Howden, CEO and Founder of Howden.
The successful festival was attended by His Excellency Ahmed bin Salman Al-Musallam, Speaker of the Council of Representatives, His Excellency Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh, Chairman of the Shura Council, alongside numerous senior officials and international racing enthusiasts.
British champion jockey Tom Marquand's treble, all for trainer Alan Smith in the Al Adiyat Racing colours, marked a fitting conclusion to an exceptional day of international racing at REHC.