Sakhir: Organisational preparations are in full swing at Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club (REHC) for the seventh edition of the Bahrain International Trophy, set to take place this Friday with the participation of top owners, trainers, jockeys, and horses from around the world. The event is supported by Beyon Group, Bapco Energies, the Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB), Brown Advisory, Grand Seiko - Bahrain Jewellery Centre, Gulf Air, and Ebrahim Khalil Kanoo - Lexus.
According to Bahrain News Agency, as the race day approaches, excitement is building over who will claim the 2025 Bahrain International Trophy, with a strong line-up featuring high-rated international horses, including the United Kingdom's "Royal Champion" and the Kingdom of Bahrain's "Calif", who returns after finishing third last year.
The draw for starting gates will be held tomorrow evening for the 2000-metre main race, which features some of the world's leading stables. Participating horses represent several countries, including Bahrain with "Calif," alongside the UK runners "Lions Pride", "Persica", "Pride of Arras", and "Royal Champion", the United Arab Emirates' "Military Order", Ireland's "Gal¡n", and the French Republic's "Bright Picture".
To enhance public engagement, the REHC has prepared a programme of entertainment and competitions for spectators, with tickets available online at bahrainturfclub.com or at the racecourse gates.
The popular "Select 6" competition continues this season, allowing fans to predict winning horses at bahrainselect6.com for a chance to win cash prizes. For the first time in the kingdom, a Horse Racing Fantasy game will also be launched, enabling enthusiasts to pick their favourite horses and compete via the App Store and Google Play, as part of the club's efforts to boost fan participation.
This year's Bahrain International Trophy features a distinguished group of trainers, including Britain's Joseph O'Brien, John Gosden, Charlie Appleby, and Andr© Fabre, as well as Bahrain's Fawzi Nass. Among the prominent jockeys taking part are William Buick, James Doyle, Oisin Murphy, Robert Havlin, rising star Dylan McMonagle, and France's Maxime Guyon.
The race day will also feature seven additional events for the sponsors' cups, involving 66 horses from Bahrain's imported, locally bred, and pure Arabian categories, promising an exciting day of competition at the Sakhir track.