Bahrain’s strategic move to raise its international profile as a sporting destination has taken a significant step forward with the successful conclusion of the Kingdom’s inaugural horse racing Turf Series.
The 10-race event which began in December and ended on Friday offered more than $700,000 in prize money and attracted significant international participation as well as acclaim from trainers, owners and jockeys.
Charlie Appleby, one of the world’s leading trainers, prevented a clean sweep by local horses in the series when Godolphin’s Silent Film ridden by James Doyle took the ninth leg, the seven furlong Al Sakhir Cup.
But the ultimate winner has undoubtedly been the Kingdom itself as it seeks to establish its international racing credentials in the slip stream of its more illustrious regional neighbours such as Dubai. The Turf Series confirms the Kingdom’s status as a rapidly emerging force in world racing.
“Racing in Bahrain has been closed for years and it is being exposed for the first time to the international racing community,” said Sheikh Salman bin Rashed Al Khalifa, the executive director of the Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club.
“I am extremely happy with the results. It has been a huge success. We have had very big support from European trainers and owners and it is very encouraging. The interest is there. They want to have more options [for their horses] at this time of year. You need to gain the confidence of the racing community and they will come back. I have no doubt.”
Appleby will certainly be among them. “It’s been a great series in Bahrain and we’re delighted we found the right horse to come over. Hopefully we’ll be part of it in the future as well.”
Doyle himself is becoming something of a regular in Bahrain. “I’ve been coming for a number of years now and year-on-year it really improves,” he said. “It’s nice to see how things are evolving, both the standard of racing and the facilities. The track seems to ride a bit nicer every year, the races are getting more competitive and the new Turf Series obviously brought quite a few UK trainers out.”
The spin offs are tangible, not just for the local racing industry but more broadly the Kingdom and its international appeal.
“Sport does so much in terms of positioning and promoting the Kingdom globally,” Sheikh Salman said.
“Ultimately our big goal is to host international races and try to attract top quality horses to come to the Kingdom to participate. But I always say there are lots of advantages linked to sport.
“I think this is mainly from a tourist side and from attracting foreign investment. There are a lot of benefits. It positions the Kingdom of Bahrain internationally. Sport has a lot of angles which add value in different ways. “
The Bahrain thoroughbred scene is already beginning to benefit. “Everyone across the board here is very happy. You can feel the local owners and trainers are excited,” Sheikh Salman added. “They are getting better quality horses imported to the Kingdom of Bahrain.”
The Kingdom’s move to open its doors really began three years ago with the first Bahrain International Trophy which has quickly established itself in the global equine calendar. The driving force for the overall equine strategic initiative has been Sheikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the chairman of REHC.
“It is his vision, his goal. He has backed us all the way and he is really involved which gives us as an executive management team a lot of strength and encouragement," Sheikh Salman said.
"We will go back and sit down with the whole team and evaluate in more detail and if required to do any tweaks we will. But we are very happy with the end product. We are very proud.”
It will not be long before the international sporting spotlight shines again on the Kingdom. The Formula 1 Grand Prix roars into action at the Bahrain International circuit on March 20, bringing with it more attention. Without doubt the Kingdom is on the march.
