His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa attends the Bahrain Trophy at the Newmarket July Festival
Manama, July 10 (BNA): 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 annual Kingdom of Bahrain Trophy, held as part of the Newmarket July Festival at the Newmarket Racecourse in the United Kingdom.
His Highness noted that the Kingdom’s continued success in hosting, organising, and sponsoring major international horse races has earned Bahrain wide global recognition. These efforts are underpinned by the aspirations of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman highlighted that the horse racing sector is a promising platform that plays an important role in attracting partnerships and high quality investments to the Kingdom.
His Highness noted that horse racing offers excellent opportunities for collaboration and business growth in shared interest areas, thanks to its competitive environment.
His Highness also underscored Bahrain’s longstanding participation in the Bahrain Trophy at Newmarket as a reflection of the deep-rooted historical ties between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Kingdom, and the shared interests in fostering cooperation and mutual success —particularly in horseracing.
His Highness further noted that the inclusion of the Kingdom of Bahrain Trophy race within the Newmarket July Festival demonstrates the Kingdom’s dedication to elevating its international horseracing profile, particularly at this world-renowned event which draws widespread attention and participation from enthusiasts around the globe.
His Highness commended the excellent organisation of the festival and extended his appreciation to all those involved. The event brought together an elite group of international owners, trainers, jockeys, and horses.
His Highness commended the efforts of the Economic Development Board in promoting Bahrain's investment opportunities and competitive edge by sponsoring prominent international horse races. These efforts not only improve the horse racing industry but also foster stronger economic relationships between Bahrain and other countries.
His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa presented the awards to the winners of the Bahrain Trophy.
His Highness presented the Princess of Wales’s Stakes, sponsored by the Kingdom of Bahrain, to Hamdan Sultan Al Subousi, representative of Godolphin, for the winning horse 'El Cordobes' , which secured first place in the main race. His Highness also honoured the trainer, Charlie Appleby, and jockey, William Buick, in recognition of their first-place victory in the main race.
Her Excellency Nour bint Ali Al Khulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development and Chief Executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board, presented the Kingdom of Bahrain July Stakes (Group 2) to Mick and Janice Mariscotti , representatives of the owner of the winning horse 'Zavateri'. The horse, trained by Eve Johnson Houghton and ridden by jockey Charles Bishop, secured first place in the second round.
His Excellency Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United Kingdom, presented the Bahrain Trophy Stakes for Group 3 horses to Michael Tabor, representative of the owner of Scandinavia. The horse, trained by Aidan O'Brien and ridden by jockey Ryan Moore, secured victory in the first round.
His Highness also honoured the winning trainers and jockeys of the Kingdom of Bahrain Trophy races, congratulating them on their achievements and wishing them continued success in future competitions.
On the sidelines of the event, the Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club signed a series of strategic agreements with international companies, pledging to invest over USD 1 million in horse races held in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
These partnerships aim to boost competitiveness in racing and enhance the Club’s growing role in advancing the sport in line with the highest international standards.
It is worth noting that the Kingdom of Bahrain sponsors several prestigious horse races across European tracks, including the Bahrain Trophy and the Princess of Wales's Cup at the Newmarket July Festival in the United Kingdom, as well as the Bahrain–Ireland Series at Leopardstown Racecourse in Ireland.
