HM the King’s Cup Festival Launches, Bahrain Turf Series Concludes

Manama: Under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the prestigious HM the King's Cup Festival commenced at the Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club (REHC) racecourse in Al Raffa, Sakhir. This grand festival is being celebrated over two days, April 2 and 3, featuring an array of thrilling horse races. According to Bahrain News Agency, the opening day of the festival showcased competitive races with elite horses from both Bahraini and international stables competing across eight races. The second day is set to host HM the King's Cups, dedicated to Arabian, imported, and Bahraini bred horses, adding an extra layer of excitement to the festival. In a significant highlight, the event also marked the conclusion of the fifth edition of the Bahrain Turf Series. The series culminated with its sixth and final round, featuring participation from both local and international horses. Winners of this final round were duly recognized, as Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Bin Daina, Minister of Oil and Envi ronment and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs, presented the Al Fateh Cup, which was sponsored by Bapco Energies. The cup was awarded to the winning owner's representative, Philippa Mains, and accolades were given to the winning trainer's representative, Ali Al Shuwaikh, and the victorious jockey, Stephane Ladjadj. Further adding to the festivities, Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa was awarded the International Handicap Cup by Ghanesh Bligh, who also honored the winning trainers, Daniel and Claire Kubler, and the winning jockey, Ebrahim Nader. His Highness Shaikh Sultan Al Deen bin Mohammed bin Salman Al Khalifa accepted trophies for the second, third, and fourth rounds, presented by esteemed figures such as Isa Kanoo, Board Member of Ebrahim Khalil Kanoo Company, Jurrien Bongers, General Manager of the Sheraton Bahrain Hotel, and Mohammed Shirazi, Managing Director of Bahrain Jewellery Centre. Additionally, Khalid Taqi, Chairman of Gulf Air Group, presented the first round trophy to winning trainer Ad el Abdulla. Shaikh Salman bin Rashid Al Khalifa, REHC High Committee Representative for International Racing, awarded the seventh round trophy to the winning owner, Mohammed Khalid Abdulrahim, while Ebrahim Faisal Al Malki, Director of Media and Communications at REHC, presented the eighth round trophy to winning owner Abdulla Fawzi Nass. The evening was filled with exhilarating races, as a total of eight races took place, providing a spectacle of equestrian excellence for all in attendance.