Manama: His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Minister of the Prime Minister's Court and Chairman of the Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club (REHC) High Committee, attended the draw for participating jockeys at the seventh edition of the Bahrain International Trophy, held at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay.
According to Bahrain News Agency, HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman expressed that hosting numerous international championships and sporting events reflects the Kingdom of Bahrain's capabilities and competitive advantages, which bolster its standing on the global stage. He emphasized that such events contribute to supporting the Kingdom's comprehensive development, spearheaded by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and backed by the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman noted the continued success of the Bahrain International Trophy over the years, which has strengthened the Kingdom's reputation within the global equestrian and horse racing community. This, he said, underscores Bahrain's ability to host and successfully deliver international championships and races.
He highlighted that the Bahrain International Trophy, scheduled for Friday, 14 November, at the Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club, continues to draw wide participation from leading international stables. The strong international turnout reflects the global recognition that the race enjoys, and HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman extended a warm welcome to all participants, wishing them success.
HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman commended the dedication and efforts of the members of the Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club, along with the contributions of the Club's partners, whose collective efforts have been pivotal in advancing Bahrain's horse racing and equestrian sector and enhancing its global standing.
The draw ceremony was attended by dignitaries, officials, and representatives of the event's sponsors and supporters, as well as horse owners, trainers, participating jockeys, and members of the local and international media. During the event, the starting gate numbers were determined for the participating horses from both international and Bahraini stables.
The draw resulted in the following outcomes: Lion's Pride at Gate 1, Military Order at Gate 2, Royal Champion at Gate 3, Bright Picture at Gate 4, Galen at Gate 5, Pride of Arras at Gate 6, Persica at Gate 7, and Calif at Gate 8.
The Bahrain International Trophy will feature seven additional races for the sponsor cups of distinguished sponsors: Beyon Group, Bapco Energies, the Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB), Brown Advisory, Grand Seiko - Bahrain Jewellery Centre, Gulf Air, and Ebrahim Khalil Kanoo - Lexus. These races are anticipated to deliver strong competition, with leading horses from Bahrain's top stables competing for the coveted sponsor cups.
Global horse racing enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the Bahrain International Trophy on Friday, which promises an exciting display of competition among an elite field of international horses, representing some of the most prestigious stables in global racing, led by world-renowned jockeys and trainers.