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Bahrain is on the fast track to being one of the most sought-after horse racing destinations across the globe, thanks to the recent increase in prize money for two coveted competitions.
The Bahrain Turf Club, which was known as the Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club (REHC), has announced a 20 per cent increase in prize money for the 2022 Bahrain International Trophy and the 2022-23 Bahrain Turf Series with the aim of attracting more competition and growing the club internationally.
“Our aim is to become one of the world’s premier racing jurisdictions with high integrity, a quality racing programme and to be a desirable destination for owners and trainers to travel their horses,” said Edward Veale, the head of racing of Bahrain Turf Club.
“I, therefore, have a strong involvement in the messaging we are trying to send out to the public and I would like to encourage people in Bahrain to be a part of our journey, to come racing and see what this fantastic sport has to offer.
“I am hugely excited by the potential of what we are setting out to achieve and am thankful for the strong foundations the club has laid since its inception in 1977.
“The club’s ambition to grow internationally is strongly helped by the increase in prize money for the upcoming season in races where we will look to attract competition from abroad.”
The Bahrain International Trophy, which was first run in 2019 as a conditions race, was upgraded to Group 3 status for the first time last year with Lord Glitters narrowly beating Barney Roy in a pulsating finish to the 1m 2f contest. The race has been supported by some of the world’s leading trainers including John and Thady Gosden, Andrew Balding, Aidan O’Brien and Andre Fabre.
The total prize money for the Group 3 Bahrain International Trophy has gone up to £600,000 for 2022, an £100,000 increase from last year.
“Our feature race, the Bahrain International Trophy, is now worth £600,000 with £360,000 for the winning horse,” added Veale.
“The 2021 renewal welcomed runners from six different countries and continues to evolve into one of the sport’s most internationally represented races.
“The 2022 running will take place on November 18 at the Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club in Riffa. The Bahrain International Trophy and all our 27 race meetings across the 2022-23 season beginning on October 28 will allow free admission to the public and I look forward to welcoming what I hope will be a growing crowd year on year.”
Meanwhile, each of the 10 Bahrain Turf Series races, which starts on December 9 with the final Series race day on February 17, will now run for £60,000 per race, up from £50,000 last season. It is open to horses rated between 85-100.
“We are also delighted to be hosting for the second year the Bahrain Turf Series which will see horses from both Bahrain and abroad go head-to-head,” said Veale.
“We are extremely grateful for the support we receive from our sponsors who ensure we can offer such fantastic prize money and therefore attract the sports superstars to Bahrain.”
The Bahrain Turf Series will also have a bonus point system attached, depending on where horses finish, and the points will be added at the end of the series.
There will be two Pots; Pot A will be for horses racing over 5 and 6 furlongs (1000m and 1200m) and Pot B for 9 and 10 furlongs (1,800m and 2,000m).
The owner of the horse with the most points in each pot will get £15,000 and the trainer of the horse with most points will get £10,000. This will mean an extra £50,000 in total prize money.
For details, follow @bahrainturfclub
