Leopardstown: His Highness Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Vice President of the Supreme Council for Environment and Deputy Chairman of the High Committee of the Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club (REHC), attended the acclaimed Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown Racecourse in Ireland. This marks the fifth consecutive year the event has taken place at this prestigious venue, showcasing the international appeal and success of the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes.
According to Bahrain News Agency, HH Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid emphasized that the progress of the equestrian and horseracing sector in Bahrain is largely due to the support of 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.
HH Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid also praised the dedication of His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Minister of the Prime Minister's Court and Chairman of the High Committee of the REHC, for his persistent efforts in advancing the Club and its races. He highlighted that the continued hosting of the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes in Ireland is a testament to the robust cooperation in horseracing, allowing for the exchange of expertise and international experiences, which in turn supports the sport's development in Bahrain.
Yusuf Osama Buheji, Undersecretary for Research and Projects at the Prime Minister's Office and Member of the High Committee of the REHC, expressed that the event's success in Ireland underscores the strong partnership between the REHC and Horse Racing Ireland. He pointed out that such collaborations open up opportunities for exchanging knowledge, learning about best practices in race organization and management, and enhancing the quality of races and events organized by the Club.
The latest edition of the race saw fierce competition among top-tier horses over a 2,000-metre distance, attracting participation from leading stables and owners worldwide. The horse Hotazhell, owned by Silverton Hill Partnership, emerged victorious.
At the conclusion of the race, HH Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid, along with Iain Lindsay, Adviser to the Board of the Bahrain Economic Development Board, awarded the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes trophy. They honored the representative of the winning horse's owner, as well as trainer Jessica Harrington and jockey Shane Foley, for their triumph in the race.