Horseracing enthusiasts eagerly await the His Royal Highness the Crown Prince’s Cup, sponsored by Cebarco, which will take place over two days this Thursday and Friday at Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club (REHC) in Sakhir.
HRH the Crown Prince’s Cup is one of the most prominent and significant races in the history of the sport in the kingdom, carrying a rich legacy since its first edition in 1982, which coincided with the official launch of races at the club’s track.
Held under the patronage and support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the event has enhanced its stature and propelled its development.
In recent years, the race has seen significant advancements, including increased prize money and a gradual rise in the number of races, reaching eight in the previous season.
From the 2024-25 season, the event is expanding into a two-day festival. Additionally, from two seasons ago, the race for imported horses has been open to entries from owners outside Bahrain.
These developments aim to enhance competition and make the races more exciting, with a variety of classifications and distances. This reflects the club’s efforts to improve local and international horseracing standards, making it a key destination for competitors from all over the world.
REHC has prepared a special programme for fans to enjoy the festival’s activities and competitions over the two days. Tickets are available for purchase on bahrainturfclub.com, allowing all attendees to experience the exceptional atmosphere and enjoy the festival’s events and races.
HRH the Crown Prince’s Cup’s golden record includes names of owners, stables, horses, and jockeys over 43 years. Shaikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al Khalifa was the first winner of the Cup in 1982 with the horse Sari, ridden by jockey Hassan Haji.
Last season, in 2024, horses Abiyan 1777, Immortal, and Isle of Jura won in the categories of Arabian horses, locally produced horses, and imported horses, respectively.
The imported horse category, introduced in 2015, has witnessed victories by four different stables. Notably, Al Nawafeeq Stable won the first two editions in 2015 and 2016 with the horse Bartack. Other winners include Al Adiyat Racing; Victorious Racing, which claimed the cup three times with Port Lions, New Show, and Isle of Jura; and Al Mohamediya Stable, which secured its first win in 2022 with Medal Winner.
Godolphin of the UAE became the first international stable to win the cup in 2023 with Warren Point.
Among the standout horses in the competition’s history is Anchorman, who won the cup three times in 1996, 1997, and 1999; Shadow Boxer, crowned twice in 2002 and 2004; and Blues Bass Billy, a two-time champion in 2010 and 2012.
As for jockeys, Bahrainis Hassan Ezzat and Ahmed Akbar, French jockey Gerald Mosse, British jockey Gary Hind, and the renowned Italian jockey Frankie Dettori, each claimed four titles, making them the most successful jockeys in the event’s history.
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