BAHRAIN’S Irish-bred gelding Port Lions raced to victory in the $1,000,000 Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors Cup yesterday which was part of the prestigious Saudi Cup at the King Abdulaziz race track in Saudi Arabia.
Another Bahraini horse Dark Power, trained by Alan Smith, displayed his prowess in the unique 1,351m $1,000,000 stc Turf Sprint, running down Godolphin’s Charlie Appleby-trained Mubtasim of Ireland, ridden by Frankie Dettori.
Port Lions is owned by Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty’s Representative for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, National Security Advisor and president of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports.
Dark Power is owned by Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, son of HRH the Crown Prince.
Shaikh Nasser congratulated Shaikh Isa bin Salman on Dark Power’s victory.
Port Lions entered the race as a favourites among champion horses from Europe and the US.
Jockey Adrie De Vries steered Port Lions, trained by Fawzi Abdulla Nass, to a deserving victory.
In an thrilling finish, Port Lions pipped Deirdre of Japan at the wire.
Shaikh Nasser attributed the twin success to the support and encouragement of His Majesty to equestrian sport in the Kingdom.
“We were keen to taker part in this prestigious race and make it a huge success in its first edition. We are happy to have made this happen and we were victorious too,” he added.
“It was tough and it was hard to predict the winners. But we were confident that Port Lions would win. Both De Vries and Nass contributed largely to this victory.
“This win is a source of optimism as we move forward. I take this opportunity to thank all the parties in Saudi Arabia for the successful organisation of this race,” he concluded.
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