Bahrain Trophy at Newmarket Celebrates Success as Royal and Godolphin Horses Claim Victory

TDT | Manama

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The annual Bahrain Trophy races took place at the historic Newmarket Racecourse in the United Kingdom during the July Festival, highlighting the strong relations and ongoing cooperation between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the UK. This year’s event held special significance as it coincided with the Golden Jubilee celebration, marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club (REHC).

The high-profile event was attended by His Excellency Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the UK, Her Excellency Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development and Chief Executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB), and His Excellency Mr. Yusuf Osama Buhiji, Member of the REHC High Committee and Acting CEO, alongside other committee members and international racing enthusiasts.

The opening race, the Bahrain Trophy Stakes, saw a prestigious victory for British royalty. The horse Point Of Law, owned by His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla, claimed first place. Trained by John and Thady Gosden and ridden by James Doyle, the winning team was honored by REHC High Committee members Mr. Khaled Hussein Taqi and Mr. Ali Habib Qasim, who presented the trophy to the royal representatives.

The Emirati stable Godolphin secured a double victory during the festival. In the Kingdom of Bahrain July Stakes, the horse Inner City Blues, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick, took the win. The trophy was presented to Godolphin representative Mr. Abdullah Al Mansouri by His Excellency Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa and REHC High Committee member Mr. Kamal Murad Ali.

Godolphin’s second triumph came in the feature race, the Princess of Wales's Stakes (sponsored by the Kingdom of Bahrain). The stable's standout horse, Rebel's Romance, also trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick, secured the top spot. Her Excellency Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif presented the championship trophy to Mr. Abdullah Al Mansouri to mark the achievement.

Reflecting on the event's success, His Excellency Mr. Yusuf Osama Buhiji stated that Bahrain’s continued sponsorship at the Newmarket July Festival underscores its commitment to deepening ties with the UK, particularly in the equestrian sector. He emphasized that the sport enjoys strong support from His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and follows the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, which has firmly established Bahrain on the global racing stage.

Mr. Buhiji also praised the strategic vision and efforts of His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Minister of the Prime Minister’s Court and Chairman of the REHC High Committee, noting that his leadership has driven a major transformation in Bahraini horseracing. Furthermore, he expressed appreciation to the Bahrain EDB for its promotional efforts during the event, which showcased the Kingdom as a prime economic and tourism destination, and thanked the Newmarket Racecourse authorities for their seamless collaboration.

In addition to the prominent Newmarket fixtures—including the Bahrain Trophy Stakes, the July Stakes, and the Princess of Wales's Stakes—the Kingdom of Bahrain's European racing portfolio also includes the Bahrain-Ireland Race Series held at Leopardstown Racecourse in Ireland.