Sakhir: In the presence of His Highness Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Vice President of the General Sports Authority, and Dr. Ramzan bin Abdullah Al Noaimi, Minister of Information, Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club (REHC) launched the National Day Festival at its racecourse in Al Raffa, Sakhir.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the festival, held on Thursday and Friday, December 18-19, features the ninth and tenth races of the current season, coinciding with the Kingdom of Bahrain’s celebration of its National Day and the 26th anniversary of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s accession to the throne, along with the accompanying national events.
The first day of the festival was attended by a number of Their Highnesses and Excellencies, prominent figures, representatives of sponsoring entities, and a large public audience. Winners of the race cups were crowned, with the Minister of Information presenting the National Day Cup to the winning trainers Daniel and Claire Kubler.
His Highness Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa presented the fourth race trophy to the winning owner Maitham Hashim Al Mishqab, and the fifth and eighth race trophies to His Highness Shaikh Ali bin Mohammed bin Salman Al Khalifa, while the seventh race trophy was presented to the winning owner Mohammed Khalid Abdulrahim.
Ahmed Mohammed Abdul Ghaffar, Executive Director of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, presented the second race trophy to the winning owner Hadi Al Afoo, while Khalid Bukhari, Managing Director of Dallah Promotions, presented the third race trophy to Poppy Green.
The first day of the festival included accompanying artistic and entertainment activities, with weather conditions contributing to the overall atmosphere of the national occasion.
The festival continues on Friday, December 19, with the tenth race scheduled to start at 4:00 pm. The race will be held for the Cups of His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, Chairman of the General Sports Authority, and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, as well as the cups of His Highness’s sons: His Highness Shaikh Faisal bin Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Highness Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Highness Shaikh Salman bin Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and His Highness Shaikh Hamad bin Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The tenth race will also mark the launch of the fifth edition of the Bahrain Turf Series.
The ninth race witnessed competitive contests for the General Sports Authority Cup, the Bahrain Olympic Committee Cup, the National Day Cup sponsored by the Ministry of Information, and the Dallah Cup.