# Bahrain Horse Racing Season 2026-27

- When: 30 Oct 2026 to 16 Apr 2027
- Where: Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club, Riffa
- Status: confirmed
- Organiser: Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club
- Official page: https://www.newsofbahrain.com/sports/140845.html

Bahrain's horse racing season is run by the Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club, which was founded in 1977. The 2026-27 season marks the club's 50th anniversary, its Golden Jubilee, and has 30 meetings, opening on Friday 30 October 2026 and closing on Friday 16 April 2027.

The first major highlight is the eighth Bahrain International Trophy on 13 November 2026, run as a Group One race for the first time with a prize purse of US$1.5 million. The same card debuts the new Bahrain Long Distance Cup. The HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa Cup on 18 December 2026 is the last headline race of the calendar year.

In 2027 the Crown Prince's Cup Festival is held on 28 and 29 January, and His Majesty the King's Cup Festival on 4 and 5 March. The Bahrain Turf Series grows to 14 races with a new mile division, and the Future Stars Series for locally bred horses returns for a third edition. The season suits regular racegoers and anyone wanting a winter afternoon at the track.

## Highlights
- 30 meetings in the club's 50th anniversary season
- Bahrain International Trophy, Group One for the first time, US$1.5m purse
- New Bahrain Long Distance Cup on 13 November
- Crown Prince's Cup Festival and His Majesty the King's Cup Festival
- Bahrain Turf Series expanded to 14 races

## Schedule
- Fri 30 Oct 2026: Season opens
- Fri 13 Nov 2026: Bahrain International Trophy and Bahrain Long Distance Cup
- Fri 18 Dec 2026: HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa Cup
- Thu 28 to Fri 29 Jan 2027: Crown Prince's Cup Festival
- Thu 18 Feb 2027: HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa Cup
- Thu 4 to Fri 5 Mar 2027: His Majesty the King's Cup Festival
- Fri 16 Apr 2027: Season ends

## Good to know
- Meetings are held at the Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club.
- Some later dates differ slightly between press reports, so check the club's announcements before a big race day.

## FAQ
**When is the 2026-27 Bahrain horse racing season?**
The season runs from 30 October 2026 to 16 April 2027, with 30 meetings.

**When is the Bahrain International Trophy 2026?**
It is on 13 November 2026, run as a Group One race for the first time with a US$1.5 million purse.

**When is the King's Cup?**
His Majesty the King's Cup Festival is on 4 and 5 March 2027.

**Who organises racing in Bahrain?**
The Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club, which marks its 50th anniversary in the 2026-27 season.

Page: https://bahrainsouth.com/whats-on/horse-racing-season-2026-27/