Bahraini trained jockey invited to compete in prestigious international race

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

Trained and developed at the Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club (REHC), Hussain Ashgar is the first Bahraini-trained jockey invited to compete in an international race for the most promising young riders from around the world.

Run at beautiful Deauville Racecourse in Normandy, France on Saturday 6 July, the ‘Prix Together for Racing International – European Association of Racing Schools Final’ features sixteen up-and-coming jockeys from countries such as the USA, United Kingdom, Germany, and South Korea, and includes 21-year-old Hussain Ashgar from Manama, Bahrain.

REHC nominated Asghar on account of the outstanding progress he has made since he started training to be a jockey in 2021. He is recognized as one of the most talented jockeys born in Bahrain. Last season he had close to 100 rides, including in the prestigious Al Methaq Mile, and he has 9 wins to date in his career.

This year is the 10th running of the final, run over 2500m and open to apprentices and young jockeys under the age of 25 who from graduated from a racing school and who have had a minimum of 10 rides in public and a maximum of 15 wins. The young riders will also have the opportunity to get valuable advice during a morning’s training with experienced French professional jockeys in Deauville.

Participation in the international race represents a milestone in Ashgar’s career with the opportunity to ride in a race abroad against some of the best young jockeys from around the world.

Hussain Ashgar said: "I am incredibly excited and honored to be the first Bahraini jockey invited to compete in this prestigious event at Deauville. It is a dream come true for me and a significant milestone in my career. I am grateful to the Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club for their unwavering support and for believing in my potential.

“To represent Bahrain on the international stage is a privilege and I am looking forward to showcasing the talent and hard work of Bahraini jockeys. This opportunity motivates me to continue striving for excellence and making my country proud."

For his part, Mr. Yusuf Osama Buheji, CEO of REHC, expressed his gratitude and appreciation to REHC’s High Committee, chaired by His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, for their unwavering interest and support for Bahraini jockeys. He highlighted that the participation of apprentice jockey Hussain Asghar in the French Prix Together for Racing International marks a historic first for Bahraini jockeys. Mr. Buheji noted that this achievement exemplifies REHC’s dedication to nurturing Bahraini jockey talent.

This follows the recent news that three young jockeys have commenced a one-month-long intensive training course at the British Racing School in Newmarket, England.  Apprentice jockeys Mohammed Jameel, Ali Zaalan, and Dhai AlSaadoon are part of this program, extending the training they began at REHC's Bahrain Jockey Academy. Notably, AlSaadoon is the first female jockey to attend the academy, showcasing exceptional commitment and perseverance. These opportunities in esteemed racing jurisdictions such as England and France underscore a broader initiative to support and develop young and aspiring Bahraini athletes.