King Hamad Cup Horse Racing Festival Kicks Off with Thrilling Competitions

Under the esteemed patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of Bahrain, and in the presence of His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Isa bin Salman Educational Charitable Endowment, Chairman of the Labor Fund, and Chairman of the Supreme Authority of Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club, alongside His Highness Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Vice Chairman of the Supreme Council for Environment and Vice Chairman of the Supreme Authority of Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club, the prestigious King Hamad Cup Horse Racing Festival commenced at the Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club in Raffa.
The festival, held over two days on March 6 and 7, 2025, attracted distinguished dignitaries, sponsors, and a large audience of horse racing enthusiasts who enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere of the first Ramadan racing night. The event featured eight fiercely competitive races, with elite horses from Bahrain and abroad competing for the coveted race cups.
Thrilling Competitions and Honoring Champions
The festival also marked the conclusion of the Bahrain International Championship. His Highness Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa presented the International Handicap Cup to His Highness Shaikh Sultan Al-Din bin Mohammed bin Salman Al Khalifa and awarded trophies to the winning trainer and jockey of the race. Additionally, HH Shaikh Faisal received the Fath Cup, sponsored by Bapco Energies, from CEO Mark Thomas, who also presented awards to the winning trainer and jockey.
Mr. Yousif Osama Buhiji, CEO of Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club, honored the top point-scoring owners in the Bahrain International Championship. Awards were presented to HH Shaikh Nader bin Mohammed bin Salman Al Khalifa, representing Al Mohamediya Stables, and to representatives of Nick Hughes and Owen Promotions Limited. Meanwhile, Mr. Ahmed Shirazi, Managing Director of Bahrain Jewellery Center, awarded the top trainers, Marco Botti and Hugo Palmer.
Mr. Talal Al-Areefi, CEO of Mazad, presented the Mazad Sprint Cup to the winning owner, Hussein Ibrahim Al-Afoo, and the Mazad Horse Cup to the winning trainer, Alan Smith. Additionally, Mr. Michael Flanagan of Coolmore Stud awarded the Coolmore Stud Cup to trainer Fawzi Nass. HH Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa received the sixth race cup from Mr. Ahmed Shirazi, while Mr. Isa Kanoo, Board Member of Ibrahim Khalil Kanoo, presented the Lexus Cup to HH Shaikh Nader bin Mohammed bin Salman Al Khalifa.
Race Results:
First Race: Bahrain Arabian Horses – 1000m: The horse "Kroshan M1080" from Al Mohamediya Stables secured its first victory with a stunning performance under apprentice jockey Hussein Asghar.
Second Race: Mazad Sprint Cup (Local Production) – 1000m: Mare "Raheel" from Al-Afoo Stables claimed her first win of the season in her fourth start.
Third Race: Coolmore Cup (Imported Horses) – 1600m: "Wantroina" from Victorious Stables triumphed after a fierce battle with "Basento."
Fourth Race: International Handicap Cup (Imported Horses) – 1600m: "Solgars Empire" from Al Mohamediya Stables secured victory in the 11th race of the Bahrain International Championship.
Fifth Race: Fath Cup (Sponsored by Bapco Energies) – 1200m: "Nationwide" from Victorious Stables defied expectations to claim a well-earned victory.
Sixth Race: Grand Seiko Cup (Local Production) – 1200m: "Son of Zeus" from M & A Racing secured his second career win with a remarkable performance.
Seventh Race: Mazad Horse Cup (Local Production) – 1800m: "Silk Road" from Al Adiyat Stables dominated from start to finish.
Eighth Race: Lexus Cup (Local Production) – 1800m: "Bather" from Al Mohamediya Stables clinched his first career victory in a thrilling contest.
The King Hamad Cup Horse Racing Festival showcased exceptional talent and fierce competition, reinforcing Bahrain's standing in the global equestrian scene. The second day of the festival promises more exhilarating races and unforgettable moments for horse racing fans.

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