Royal Patronage Powers Bahrain’s Horse Racing Rise

His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, affirmed that the horse racing and equestrian sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain is witnessing significant qualitative progress and tangible development across all levels, driven by the care and support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the dedicated efforts of national cadres implementing strategic plans and programmes with the highest standards of efficiency and professionalism.

HRH made the remarks while attending the Crown Prince Cup Equestrian Festival, sponsored by Seabarco, at the Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club. The festival featured the participation of owners, trainers, jockeys and horses from various international stables. HRH highlighted Bahrain’s strong commitment to enhancing its competitiveness in horse racing and equestrian sports, reinforcing its standing as a leading regional and global destination for hosting and organising prestigious races, in line with its long-standing heritage in the sport.

HRH noted that horse racing is an integral part of Bahrain’s deeply rooted national identity and a source of pride, underscoring the Kingdom’s dedication to preserving this rich heritage and presenting it to the world with its authentic Bahraini character that reflects national values.

The Crown Prince and Prime Minister also expressed pride in the substantial efforts of the Supreme Committee of the Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club, chaired by His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Minister of the Prime Minister’s Court and Chairman of the Supreme Committee. HRH commended the committee and all its members for achieving notable accomplishments that embody the ambitious vision to develop the sector and strengthen its regional and international presence. He congratulated the winners across the various races and wished the remaining participants better luck.

The festival was attended by His Highness Shaikh Abdullah bin Isa Al Khalifa, Honorary President of the Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club; His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee and President of the General Sports Authority; His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa; His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa; along with a number of senior officials, diplomats and representatives of sponsoring entities.

During the ceremony, HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister crowned the winners of the Crown Prince Cups. He presented the Crown Prince Cup for Arabian Horses to winning trainer Yousif Al Buainain, the Crown Prince Cup for Imported Horses to winning owner Ibrahim Al Afou, and the Crown Prince Cup for Bahrain-bred Horses to winning owner Mohammed Khalid Abdulrahim.

Other race trophies were also presented. His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa received the Bahrain Mile Cup from Tareq Al Saffar, Chairman of Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait. His Highness Shaikh Sultan Al Din bin Mohammed bin Salman Al Khalifa received the Bahrain Derby Cup from Abdulrahman Jawahery, Chief Executive Officer of Bapco Energies.

Yousif Osama Bouhiji, Member of the Supreme Committee of the Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club and Acting Chief Executive Officer, presented the Bahrain Horse Racing Club Cup to Khalid Abdulrahim, while David Howden, Founder and CEO of Howden, presented the Howden Cup to Aqeel Marzooq.

The Crown Prince Cup Festival drew a large crowd of horse racing enthusiasts and featured a wide range of accompanying entertainment and family activities.

Final Day Race Results

• First Race: Tuwesan 1844, from Al Riffa Stable and ridden by jockey Abdullah Faisal, won the Crown Prince Cup (sponsored by Seabarco) for purebred Arabian horses “Al Waho,” continuing its winning streak after a strong contest.

• Second Race: Zeal, owned by Mohammed Khalid Abdulrahim and ridden by Ibrahim Nader, secured the Bahrain Horse Racing Club Cup for Bahrain-bred horses, marking its ninth career victory.

• Third Race: Flad, owned by Al Wadi Racing, claimed its first win in Bahrain in the Imported Handicap Race, edging past Gwen John in a close finish.

• Fourth Race: Shandaghah, owned by Al Sharq Racing, captured the Howden Cup for First-Class Imported Horses following a strong late challenge.

• Fifth Race: No Retreat, from Victorious Forever Stable, won the Bahrain Mile Cup sponsored by Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait for First-Class Imported Horses, finishing strongly in the final 200 metres, with Bay Line finishing second.

• Sixth Race: Sovereign Spirit, from Al Afou Stable, was crowned champion of the Crown Prince Cup (sponsored by Seabarco) for First-Class Imported Horses, completing a notable double after winning the King’s Cup last season.

• Seventh Race: The filly Realm, owned by Mohammed Khalid Abdulrahim, claimed the Crown Prince Cup (sponsored by Seabarco) for First-Class Bahrain-bred Horses over 2,000 metres, defeating the defending champion Qleisha.

• Eighth and Final Race: Barraq, from Al Mohammadiya Stable, concluded the evening by winning the Bahrain Derby Cup, sponsored by Bapco Energies Group, for First-Class Bahrain-bred Horses with an impressive performance.