His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa recently highlighted the importance of advancing Bahrain’s horse racing sector through infrastructure development projects. This will ensure the sector’s growth and contribution to national aspirations, in line with the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the close monitoring of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. During a meeting of the Supreme Authority of the Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club, it was announced that the King’s Cup has been elevated to Group 3 international status, with other notable cups also receiving international recognition.
In a groundbreaking move, the club announced the introduction of night races for the first time in Bahrain, starting in the 2024/2025 season after the completion of a racecourse lighting project. This signifies a new era for the Kingdom’s horse racing scene and is expected to attract more international participation. The 2024/2025 racing season calendar was also approved at the meeting, featuring 30 races and an expansion of the Bahrain International Trophy to include 12 races, solidifying its status as a prestigious international event.
In a bid to promote local horse production, the launch of the Future Stars Championship was reviewed during the meeting, aiming to encourage Bahraini owners to enhance their capabilities and improve local horse breeding efforts. The meeting also discussed various projects focused on enhancing facilities at the Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club, including upgrades to the main grandstand and improvements for participants and spectators. Efforts were made to attract new investment opportunities to position the club as a leading destination for horse racing enthusiasts locally and internationally.
The meeting concluded with the Supreme Authority expressing gratitude to all partners and sponsors for their unwavering support, emphasizing the pivotal role they play in strengthening Bahrain’s position as a global leader in the horse racing industry. The 2024/2025 season is set to commence on November 1, with the opening race honoring the late Shaikh Rashid bin Isa Al Khalifa. The season is expected to offer an exciting chapter in Bahrain’s racing history, running until the final race on April 18, 2025.
