The atmosphere reflected a blend of high-stakes competition and cultural appreciation. The event was attended by prominent figures, highlighting the commitment of Bahrain’s leadership to the sport. Attendees included His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, and His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Minister of the Prime Minister’s Court and Chairman of the REHC High Committee. Their presence underlined the importance of the Bahrain International Trophy in promoting the Kingdom globally and attracting elite horses, trainers, and jockeys.
The main event of the evening was the $1 million Bahrain International Trophy, a Group Two race contested over a 2,000-meter distance. The race has steadily established itself as a key fixture in the sport’s calendar, drawing seasoned international contenders and further elevating the quality of competition in the Kingdom.
The race once again delivered a thrilling spectacle. After breaking from the stalls, the field settled quickly and travelled in a compact group for much of the race. Turning into the straight, the leading contenders moved forward, and Royal Champion, owned by Shaikh Mohamed Obaid Al Maktoum, picked up best. The Karl Burke trained gelding surged ahead in the closing stages to land the feature race of Bahrain’s season. Galen kept on for second, with Military Order finishing third.
The continued success of the Bahrain International Trophy reflects the vision of the REHC High Committee, chaired by His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The club’s focus on racing quality, investment in facilities, and professional standards has strengthened Bahrain’s position alongside established racing nations.
With the Bahrain International Trophy concluded, attention now turns to the wider series of international races staged throughout Bahrain’s winter season. These fixtures bring global runners into direct competition with leading locally trained horses and provide consistent, high-quality racing for participants and spectators alike. The calendar concludes with the prestigious King’s Cup, won last year by the domestically trained and owned Sovereign Spirit. This result highlighted the growing depth of Bahrain’s own racing talent.
The continued development of REHC and its international programme reflects the club’s broader role within the Kingdom. As Bahrain strengthens its reputation for hosting major sporting occasions, the racecourse has become a focal point for both the local community and visiting participants. The growth of international runners, improved facilities, and an increasingly competitive racing calendar demonstrate the club’s emergence as a place to be in Bahrain and an important player on the sport’s global stage.
