Bahrain International Trophy

About Bahrain International Trophy

The Bahrain International Trophy is the flagship international race of the Bahraini season, run by the Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club at its Sakhir racecourse. Established in 2019, it has been upgraded to Group 1 for 2026, making it the first Group 1 race held in Bahrain, and its prize fund has risen to USD 1.5 million over ten furlongs (2000m).

For the first time the card features two major races. Alongside the Trophy comes a new open handicap over 14 furlongs (2800m) worth USD 400,000, reported as the Bahrain Long Distance Cup and named by the Bahrain Turf Club as the Gulf of Bahrain Cup.

The 2025 running was won by Royal Champion for trainer Karl Burke and jockey James Doyle, with Joseph O'Brien's Galen second. The 2026 race falls in a season marking 50 years since the club was founded, with 30 fixtures from October to April. It suits racing fans and anyone wanting to see international runners in Bahrain.

Watch

Highlights

• Bahrain's first Group 1 race
• USD 1.5 million prize fund over 2000m
• New USD 400,000 open handicap over 2800m on the same card
• 2025 winner: Royal Champion (Karl Burke, James Doyle)
• Part of the club's 50th anniversary season

Good to know

• Racing tickets are sold via Platinumlist, linked from the Bahrain Turf Club website.
• The Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club office is on +973 1744 0330, Sunday to Thursday, 9am to 2pm.

The venue

Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club, Sakhir. Bahrain's national racecourse between Riffa and Sakhir, with weekly race meetings through the winter season.

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