Equestrian enthusiasts await HRH the Crown Prince’s Cup

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Equestrian and horse racing enthusiasts eagerly await His Royal Highness the Crown Prince’s Horseracing Cup, sponsored by Cebarco, which will take place over two days, Thursday and Friday, January 30-31, at the Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club.

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince’s Horseracing Cup is one of the most prominent and significant races in the history of Bahraini horse racing, carrying a rich legacy since its first edition in 1982, which coincided with the official launch of races at the club’s track.

The race, held under the patronage and support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, has enhanced the event’s stature and propelled its development.

Increased prize money

In recent years, the race has seen significant advancements, including increased prize money and a gradual rise in the number of races, reaching eight in the previous season.

From the 2024/2025 season, the event expanded into a twoday festival. Additionally, since two seasons ago, the race for imported horses has been open to entries from owners outside Bahrain, alongside Bahraini horses.

These developments aim to enhance competition and make the races more exciting, with a variety of classifications and distances. This reflects the club’s efforts to improve local and international racing standards, making it a key destination for horses from around the world.

The Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club (REHC) has prepared a special programme for fans to enjoy the festival’s activities and competitions over the two days. Tickets are available for purchase on the website Bahrainturfclub.com, allowing all attendees to experience the exceptional atmosphere and enjoy the festival’s events and races.

Rich legacy

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince’s Horseracing Cup golden record includes names of owners, stables, horses, and jockeys over 43 years. Shaikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al Khalifa was the first winner of the Cup in 1982 with the horse “Sari,” ridden by jockey Hassan Haji.

Last season, in 2024, the horses “Abiyan 1777,” “Immortal,” and “Isle of Jura” won in the categories of Arabian horses, locally produced horses, and imported horses, respectively.

The imported horse category, introduced in 2015, has witnessed victories by four different stables. Notably, Al Nawafeeq Stable won the first two editions in 2015 and 2016 with the horse “Bartack”. Other winners include Al Adiyat Racing, Victorious Stable; which claimed the cup three times with “Port Lions,” “New Show,” and “Isle of Jura”; and Al Mohamediya Stable, which secured its first win in 2022 with “Medal Winner.” Godolphin Stable of the United Arab Emirates became the first international stable to win the cup in 2023 with “Warren Point.”

Legendary Horses and Jockeys

Among the standout horses in the competition’s history is “Anchorman,” who won the cup three times (1996, 1997, and 1999), “Shadow Boxer,” crowned twice (2002 and 2004), and “Blues Bass Billy,” a two-time champion (2010 and 2012).

As for jockeys, Bahrainis Hassan Ezzat and Ahmed Akbar, French jockey Gérald, British jockey Gary Hind, and the renowned Italian jockey Frankie Dettori each claimed four titles, making them the most successful jockeys in the event’s history.