Bahrain Turf Club Hosts High-Stakes Races with International Competition

Bahrain’s international horseracing season continues this evening with a meeting featuring competitive racing at the Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club (REHC) in Sakhir. Runners from the UAE, Britain, and Ireland will compete against locally trained horses.

HH Shaikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa Cup Highlights the Evening

The principal race is the HH Shaikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa Cup, a $135,000 Listed race over 2,200m sponsored by Bapco Energies. The race has attracted Bedouin Prince, a representative from Godolphin in the Emirates, trained by Charlie Appleby (BNA).

Local and International Contenders Vie for Victory

Locally, Cracksking and Calif, trained by Daniel and Claire Kubler for Al Adiyat Racing, are aiming to win the prestigious prize. Cracksking has been in good form this season, finishing a short-head behind in the Crown Prince’s Cup. Calif is looking to regain his best form after a second-place finish in the Neom Turf at The Saudi Cup last year.

Dain Ma Nut In, trained in Scotland by Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore, adds international flavor to the race. He became the first Scottish-trained winner in Bahrain last month in The Anchorman Cup, part of the Bahrain Turf Series.

Other international runners include Gordon Grey, making his debut for trainer George Baker, and Nepal, trained by George Scott, ridden by Rosie Jessop.

Bahrain Turf Series Heats Up

With two rounds remaining, the competition is intensifying in the sprint division of the Bahrain Turf Series. Seven of the top ten horses on the leaderboard are set to compete in the Al Sakhir Cup, sponsored by Texel Air, over 1,000m. A victory could secure a $40,000 bonus prize.

Another Baar, trained by Adrian Keatley, and Kendall Roy, trained by Katie McGivern, lead the weights, both having already won Bahrain Turf Series races this season. Hugo Palmer will be represented by Roman Dragon and Dubai Bling.

Desert Cop, Rocking Ends, and Commanche Falls are also contenders for the bonus. Commanche Falls, trained by Michael Dods, has two second-place finishes in Bahrain, while Northern Express will move to the middle-distance division.

Middle-Distance Division Features Competitive Field

The Bahrain Vision Cup, sponsored by Beyon and run over 1,800m, is the penultimate round in the middle-distance division of the Bahrain Turf Series. Northern Express is the highest-rated of three international runners.

Cloud Seeker, trained by Andrew Slattery, and Slieve Binnian, trained by David Marnane, are also strong contenders. Al Adiyat Racing, with trainers Daniel and Claire Kubler, have a strong hand with Westridge and Lord Montague.

King’s Cup Festival to Conclude Season

The Bahrain international season will culminate in the His Majesty the King’s Cup Festival on March 5 and 6, featuring the $400,000 Group Three King’s Cup and the final rounds of the Bahrain Turf Series. (Bahrain Turf Club)