HRH Crown Prince's Horseracing Cup: Bahrain's Equestrian Legacy Continues with Two-Day Festival
This iconic race, one of the cornerstones of Bahraini horse racing, boasts a rich heritage dating back to its inception in 1982, coinciding with the official launch of racing at the club's track.
Held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the event has cemented its position as a hallmark of the racing calendar. Over the years, it has seen remarkable advancements, including increased prize money and a rise in the number of races, reaching eight in the previous season.
Starting from the 2024/2025 season, the event has expanded into a two-day festival. Additionally, the race for imported horses, introduced two seasons ago, now welcomes entries from international owners alongside Bahraini competitors. These developments aim to elevate competition and add excitement to the event, with diverse classifications and distances designed to attract both local and international participants.
The REHC has curated a special programme of activities and competitions for attendees, promising an unforgettable experience. Tickets are available on Bahrainturfclub.com, ensuring easy access for fans eager to soak in the festive atmosphere.
The golden history of the Crown Prince's Horseracing Cup is etched with the achievements of prominent owners, stables, horses, and jockeys over its 43-year legacy. The inaugural race in 1982 was won by Shaikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al Khalifa's horse 'Sari', ridden by jockey Hassan Haji.
Last year, the 2024 edition saw victories from "Abiyan 1777" in the Arabian horse category, "Immortal" among locally produced horses, and "Isle of Jura" in the imported horses category.
Notable milestones include the introduction of the imported horse category in 2015, which has seen victories by four different stables. Among them, Victorious Stable stands out with three wins, including last season's triumph by 'Isle of Jura.' The Godolphin Stable from the UAE made history in 2023 as the first international stable to claim the cup with "Warren Point."
Legendary horses such as "Anchorman", who won three times (1996, 1997, 1999), and double champions "Shadow Boxer" and "Blues Bass Billy" have left an indelible mark on the competition.
Jockeys have also made their mark, with Bahrainis Hassan Ezzat and Ahmed Akbar, alongside international stars like French jockey Gérald, British jockey Gary Hind, and the legendary Italian jockey Frankie Dettori, each clinching four titles to become the event's most successful riders.
The Crown Prince's Horseracing Cup continues to elevate Bahraini horse racing to new heights, drawing global attention and fostering a vibrant culture of equestrian excellence.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Tribune
2 days ago
- Daily Tribune
HH Shaikh Nasser Leads Bahrain Riders in Rashford International Endurance Race
His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty the King's Representative for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs and Leader of the Royal Endurance Team, is set to lead Bahrain's riders in the Rashford International Endurance Race in the United Kingdom. HH Shaikh Nasser will compete in the 120 km race, which brings together top riders from Bahrain, the UAE, the UK, Spain, and India. Meanwhile, other members of the Royal Team will take on the 160 km and 100 km challenges. Highlighting the importance of the event, Shaikh Nasser said the race reflects the strong reputation Bahraini endurance sport enjoys on the international stage. He stressed that the team is always aiming for podium finishes and to gain valuable experience from such high-level competitions. 'We look forward to giving our best and achieving success,' he added, wishing the riders good luck. The veterinary checks for the 100 km, 120 km, and 160 km races were completed at the championship village, where horses were inspected, riders were weighed, and preparations finalized. The Royal Team also held a training session following the vet checks. The administrative team of the Royal Endurance Team showed remarkable professionalism in ensuring Bahrain's participation. Originally, the team had planned to race in France, but unsuitable weather conditions led to a last-minute change. Within just 72 hours, the management team managed to secure entry into the Rashford event, arrange logistics, and transport the horses to the UK. The Royal Team now looks ahead to a strong performance in one of the sport's most prestigious international competitions.
Daily Tribune
2 days ago
- Daily Tribune
Naser Set for Diamond League in Poland
TDT | Manama Bahrain's sprint sensation Salwa Eid Naser faces one of her toughest challenges of the season today as she lines up in a world-class women's 400 metres at the Silesia Kamila Skolimowska Memorial in Chorzow, Poland. The race, part of the Wanda Diamond League, begins at 5.04pm Bahrain time and features an elite field led by reigning world and Olympic champion Marileidy Paulino of the Dominican Republic. Also competing are Natalia Bukowiecka of Poland, the Paris 2024 Olympic bronze-medallist, Sada Williams of Barbados, Amber Anning of Great Britain, Alexis Holmes of the US, Lieke Klaver of the Netherlands, Henriette Jaeger of Norway, and Martina Weil of Chile. Paulino currently tops the global 400m rankings, with Naser at No.2, Bukowiecka at No.3, and Anning at No.4. Naser enters the race with a season's best of 48.67 seconds, set in April in Kingston, Jamaica. Her personal best of 48.14s, achieved in 2019, remains both the Asian and Bahraini record. Just last weekend, she clocked a stunning 35.85s in the 300m at a meet in Krakow, breaking the Asian, Arab, and national records for the rarely contested distance. She finished second behind Bukowiecka. The 2019 world champion and Paris 2024 Olympic silver medallist is using today's race as part of her build-up for the World Athletics Championships 2025, to be held from September 13 to 21 in Tokyo's 70,000-capacity National Stadium. More than 2,000 athletes from around 200 countries are expected to compete across 49 events. After Chorzow, Naser will continue her Diamond League campaign in Lausanne on August 20 and in the Zurich final on August 27-28, as she sharpens her form ahead of the worlds.
Daily Tribune
6 days ago
- Daily Tribune
Youth empowerment central to national vision, Cabinet affirms
Active contribution of Bahrain youth is key to Kingdom's comprehensive development, weekly Cabinet meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister, His Excellency Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa viewed yesterday. In this regard, the ministers stressed the importance of creative opportunities for youth to boost the comprehensive development, led by 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. Marking World Youth Day, the Cabinet commended the efforts of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, chaired by His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, in empowering young people and fostering innovation and excellence through diverse initiatives. Moving on, the Cabinet commended achievements of Bahraini medical professionals and their contributions to serving the Kingdom, highlighting HM King Hamad Al Khalifa's high praise for the sector. HM King during a reception of medical professionals had commended their efforts in advancing the Kingdom's medical sector and contributing to the wider field of healthcare. Minister further commended the Kingdom's successful hosting of the 26th Arab Men's Basketball Championship, held under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS), Chairman of the General Sports Authority (GSA), and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC). The event was also attended by His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, Vice President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee. The Cabinet welcomed the World Health Organization's (WHO) accreditation of the Muharraq and Northern Governorates as "Healthy Governorates," joining the Capital Governorate, the first in the Eastern Mediterranean region to receive this designation. The Cabinet commended the Minister of Interior, the Capital, Muharraq and Northern Governorates on this accomplishment. The Cabinet welcomed the signing of a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, brokered by the United States under the leadership of Donald Trump, President of the United States of America. The Cabinet expressed its hope that the agreement would strengthen their cooperation.
