Al raffa: On behalf of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Minister of the Prime Minister's Court and Chairman of the High Committee of the Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club (REHC), attended the closing racing evening of HM the King's Cup Festival held at the REHC racecourse in Sakhir.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the final day of the festival showcased competitive races featuring elite horses vying for HM the King's Cups across categories such as Arabian, imported, and Bahraini bred horses, along with other prestigious trophies in the season's leading equestrian event.
On this occasion, HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa acknowledged the support extended by His Majesty the King to the horse racing sector, emphasizing its role in maintaining high standards and fostering development. He also highlighted the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in preserving Bahrain's heritage and enhancing its presence globally.
HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa emphasized that Bahrain's organization and hosting of equestrian events reflect its capabilities and national expertise, strengthening its position on both regional and international stages.
During the event, HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman presented HM the King's Cups to the winners, including the Arabian horses' cup to trainer Yousif Taher, the Bahraini bred horses' cup to owner Mohammed Khalid Abdulrahim, and the imported horses' cup to jockey Benoit De La Sayette. Winners of the remaining races were also awarded, with HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman receiving the Al Methaq Mile Cup from HH Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid bin Isa Al Khalifa.
Dr Mohammed bin Mubarak Bin Daina, Minister of Oil and Environment and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs, presented the Bapco Energies Cup to HH Shaikh Sultan Al Deen bin Mohammed bin Salman Al Khalifa, while Hisham Al Rayes, Chief Executive Officer of GFH Bank, presented the second race trophy to trainer Paul Smith.
Hayssam Youssef, Chief Development Officer at Binaa, awarded the Chairman's Cup to owner Hasan Mefareh Alajmi, and Firas Barakat, Chief Executive Officer of Avenues Bahrain, presented the eighth race trophy to jockey Edinson Rodriguez. The evening featured strong competition across all eight races.