HRH Prince Salman: Horse Racing a Timeless Pillar of Bahrain’s Heritage

By Mahir Haneef

Horse racing remains an integral part of Bahrain’s heritage and continues to enjoy widespread popularity, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, affirmed on Thursday.

His Royal Highness attended the 24th race of the 2024–2025 season at the Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club (REHC) in Sakhir, where he underscored Bahrain's growing prominence in the sport. HRH highlighted the Kingdom's continued success in regional and international competitions, reflecting its commitment to excellence in horseracing.

HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister noted that the ongoing development of the Kingdom's horse racing sector, supported by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, along with the strong participation of enthusiasts, reinforces Bahrain’s position as a global hub for horseracing.

His Royal Highness praised the pivotal role of the Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club High Committee, chaired by His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa - Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Isa bin Salman Educational Charitable Trust, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), and Chairman of the REHC High Committee - in advancing the sport in Bahrain.

HRH Prince Salman commended the REHC High Committee’s initiatives and development plans, which continue to foster a competitive environment for jockeys, owners, and spectators while driving the sport’s sustained success.

Among those in attendance were His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Isa bin Salman Educational Charitable Trust, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), and Chairman of the REHC High Committee, alongside His Highness Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Vice President of the Supreme Council for Environment, Deputy Chairman of the REHC High Committee, and Member of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports. Several other senior officials and dignitaries were also present at the event.

Race Winners

The Fatees Al Hajeri Cup, presented by Ali bin Mohammed Al Hajeri, was awarded to jockey Abdul Rahim Jasim, while Yousif Osama Buheji, CEO of REHC, presented the winner of the REHC Cup Race 2 to jockey A.M. Smith.

Additionally, the REHC Cup Race 6 was awarded to His Highness Shaikh Nader bin Mohammed bin Salman Al Khalifa. Dhafer Hussain Habeeb presented the Late S. Sharaf Al Alawi Cup to the winning owner, Abdulaziz Al Baker.

The race was also attended by His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Highness Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa, and several senior officials and dignitaries.

Competition Highlights

The first race, the Fatees Al Hajeri Cup for 1,200 meters, WAHO, was won by Al Saqlawieh 1932 (BHR) from Victorious Stable, securing its second consecutive victory despite strong competition from Al Krush 1854.

The second race, a 1,200-meter sprint for imported horses, saw Piz Nair from Al Adiyat Racing claim victory, marking its second win of the season. Jehangeer, ridden by Ali Isa, took second place, achieving his first victory in the category for specialised apprentice jockeys.

The third race, a 1,200-meter event for locally bred horses, was won by "Naahy," owned by Fata Abdul Halim Majeed and ridden by Hussain Asghar, marking his third career win.

In the fourth race, held over 1,600 meters for locally bred Maiden class horses, "Fatal Obsession," owned by M and E Racing, secured its first victory. The race featured the largest field of the event, with sixteen horses competing.

The fifth race, contested over 1,600 meters for imported horses, saw "Rawyaan," owned by Hassan Emad Hassan and ridden by Anas Al Siyabi, return to winning form.

Final Races

The sixth race, The REHC Cup, was held over 2,000 meters for third-category first-class imported horses and was won by "Return of the Mac," owned by Al-Mohamediya Racing and ridden by Ali Hussain.

In the seventh race, a 2,400-meter event for imported horses, "Tartan Chief" from Al-Mohamediya Racing secured his first victory of the season. He surged ahead in the final 400 meters, overtaking "Glen Savage," who finished second.

The eighth and final race, held for the Late Sayed Sharaf Al-Alawi Cup over 2,400 meters, saw an intense competition, with "Epic" narrowly securing victory. The horse, owned by Alliance Racing and ridden by Hussain Makki, claimed its first-ever win in a dramatic finish.