First “Ramadan Nights” Horse Races Kick Off in Bahrain

Horse racing enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the launch of the “Ramadan Nights” races, which will begin on Thursday evening, 19 February, as part of the 20th race of the 2025/2026 season. The opening event will feature the prestigious His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa Cup, along with the cups of his children: Her Highness Shaikha Shaima bint Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, HH Sheikh Hamad bin Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and HH Sheikh Khalid bin Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The races will take place at the Royal Racing Club track in the Riffa area.

The event marks the start of the 2026 Ramadan Nights racing program, which spans five evenings: 19 and 26 February, and 5, 6, and 13 March. The races combine the festive spirit of Ramadan with entertainment activities, providing spectators with a unique experience. Races are scheduled to start at 8:15 PM each evening.

The Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa Cup is among the most significant seasonal races, classified as an international "Listed" event, attracting strong interest from stables eager to compete with their top horses. The program also includes the fifth round of the Bahrain International Horse Racing Championship, drawing owners, trainers, and horses from around the world. This championship highlights Bahrain’s growing prominence in the global equestrian scene and its ability to host high-level international competitions, attracting elite horses, trainers, and riders.

During the fifth round, the ninth and tenth championship races will take place. The ninth race will be held for the “Ru’ya Bahrain” Cup, sponsored by Bion Company, an 1800-meter imported balance race featuring 15 horses from both Bahraini and international stables. The tenth race will be for the “Sakhir” Cup, sponsored by Tixell Airlines, a 1000-meter imported balance race with 18 competing horses from local and global stables.

The “Ramadan Nights” races continue to enhance Bahrain’s reputation as a premier destination for horse racing, combining international-level competition with the cultural celebration of Ramadan.