His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa attended the Crown Prince Cup Equestrian Festival at the Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club, praising the sector's progress under royal patronage. The event, sponsored by Seabarco, featured international participants and multiple races culminating in trophy presentations. Bahrain aims to solidify its position as a premier destination for equestrian sports.
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, highlighted the significant development in Bahrain's horse racing and equestrian sector during the Crown Prince Cup Equestrian Festival. Speaking at the Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club, he credited the progress to the support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the efforts of national cadres implementing strategic plans with high efficiency.
The festival drew owners, trainers, jockeys, and horses from international stables, underscoring Bahrain's commitment to boosting competitiveness in equestrian sports. HRH emphasized that horse racing forms a core part of the Kingdom's national identity, reflecting its heritage and values on the global stage. He commended the Supreme Committee of the club, chaired by His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, for achievements that enhance the sector's regional and international presence.
Attended by senior royals including His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa and officials, the event included a large crowd and family activities. HRH presented the Crown Prince Cup for Arabian Horses to trainer Yousif Al Buainain, for Imported Horses to owner Ibrahim Al Afou, and for Bahrain-bred Horses to owner Mohammed Khalid Abdulrahim.
Other trophies featured the Bahrain Mile Cup presented to His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa by Tareq Al Saffar of Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait, and the Bahrain Derby Cup to His Highness Shaikh Sultan Al Din bin Mohammed bin Salman Al Khalifa by Abdulrahman Jawahery of Bapco Energies. The Bahrain Horse Racing Club Cup went to Khalid Abdulrahim, and the Howden Cup to Aqeel Marzooq.
Race highlights included Tuwesan 1844 winning the first race for purebred Arabian horses, Zeal securing its ninth victory in the second, Flad's first Bahrain win in the third, Shandaghah taking the fourth, No Retreat the fifth with Bay Line second, Sovereign Spirit the sixth after its King's Cup success, Realm defeating champion Qleisha in the seventh over 2,000 metres, and Barraq closing with the eighth race Derby Cup.