Upon arrival, His Majesty was received by His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Isa bin Salman Education Charitable Trust, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), and Chairman of the REHC High Committee; His Highness Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid bin Isa Al Khalifa, Vice President of the Supreme Council for Environment, Deputy Chairman of the REHC High Committee, and Member of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports; and senior club officials.
Held over two days, the event celebrated Bahrain’s rich equestrian heritage and its enduring prominence in the global horse racing arena. Alongside their Highnesses, the event was attended by senior officials, members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Bahrain, and a large audience of passionate horse racing enthusiasts.
The festival, featuring eight thrilling races, highlighted Bahrain’s top equestrian talent. His Majesty King Hamad personally presented the coveted trophies to winners, including the King’s Cup for Imported Horses to owner Ibrahim Al Afoo, the King’s Cup for Locally Bred Horses to His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Ali bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King’s Cup for Arabian Horses to trainer Yousif Al Buainain, and the National Action Charter Cup to owner Khalid Abdulrahim.
Additional trophies were awarded during the event. His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Ali bin Isa Al Khalifa received the Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club Cup from Kamal Murad Ali Murad, a member of the REHC High Committee. His Highness Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa presented the Chairman of the REHC High Committee Cup to a representative of George Baker Racing. Mark Thomas, CEO of Bapco Energies, handed the Bapco Energies Cup to Abdulla Fawzi Nass, while Firas Barakat, Mall Director of The Avenues Bahrain, presented the Avenues Bahrain Cup to owner Mohammed Khalid Abdulrahim.
His Majesty King Hamad expressed appreciation for the REHC’s efforts in organizing the prestigious event, praising the club’s role in promoting
horse racing in Bahrain and advancing its global recognition. His Majesty also highlighted the importance of continuing to support this Arab sport, which is deeply embedded in Bahrain’s culture.
The King’s Cup Horse Racing Festival remains a key event in Bahrain’s equestrian calendar, celebrated for its thrilling races and role in strengthening national pride. The festival underscores Bahrain’s position as a top destination for horse racing, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to preserving its equestrian legacy for future generations.
