Latest news with #BahrainInternationalTrophy
Daily Tribune
7 days ago
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Cargo airline boosts racing
TDT | Manama Texel Air has renewed its gold sponsorship of the Bahrain Turf Series for another three seasons, cementing its role in powering Bahrain's equestrian ambitions through specialised air cargo support. The agreement was signed in the United Kingdom during the Newmarket July Festival, which saw Bahrain sponsor all three Group races on the card. The deal extends Texel Air's partnership with the Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club (REHC), under the leadership of His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Minister of the Court of the Crown Prince and Chairman of the Club's High Committee. Strategic support Yusuf Buheji, Chief Executive Officer of REHC, called the renewed sponsorship a strategic collaboration that aligns with Bahrain's aspirations to become a global hub for horseracing. 'Texel Air's continued support reflects a shared belief in the potential of racing in the Kingdom,' Buheji said. 'Partnerships like this are vital to the sport's growth and to positioning Bahrain as an international racing destination.' He also noted Texel's broader contributions to Bahrain's logistics sector and expressed confidence in the sustained impact of the partnership over the next three seasons. Aligned ambitions George Chisholm, Executive Director of Texel Air, described the sponsorship as a natural fit, given the airline's growing focus on equine transportation. 'The Bahrain Turf Series has made impressive strides over the past four years. We are proud to support its continued growth,' Chisholm said. 'This partnership highlights our commitment to national sectors like sport and reinforces our dedication to the Kingdom's broader ambitions.' He added that Texel Air's role in transporting horses and equipment across borders makes it uniquely positioned to contribute to the success of international racing events in Bahrain. Rising profile Launched in 2021, the Bahrain Turf Series has quickly gained global recognition, attracting entries from leading racing nations during Bahrain's winter season. Alongside events such as the Bahrain International Trophy and the King's Cup, the series anchors Bahrain's international racing calendar. Texel Air, a Bahrain-based cargo airline and MRO provider, plays a critical role in supporting the logistical backbone behind the country's sporting and economic ambitions. The renewed deal highlights how aviation and equestrian sectors are working in tandem to advance Bahrain's global standing in both logistics and sport.
Bahrain This Week
16-03-2025
- Sport
- Bahrain This Week
Royal Thrills At Races
Bahrain International Trophy Wows Crowds The Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club (REHC) came alive with excitement as Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs and Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS) His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, attended the fifth round of the fourth edition of the Bahrain International Trophy. The event, part of the 19th race of the 2024/2025 season, drew dignitaries, sponsors, and horse racing enthusiasts to witness a day of thrilling competition and royal celebration. The championship was also graced by the presence of First Deputy Chairman of SCYS, Chairman of the General Sports Authority (GSA), and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and Isa bin Salman Education Charitable Trust Board of Trustees chairman, Labour Fund (Tamkeen) Board of Trustees chairman and REHC High Committee chairman His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The event featured a series of prestigious races, including the HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Cup, HH Shaikha Sheema bint Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa Cup, HH Shaikh Hamad bin Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa Cup, HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa Cup, HH Shaikh Hamdan bin Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa Cup, HH Shaikh Khalid bin Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa Cup, the Bahrain Vision Cup, and the Al Sakhir Cup. Each race highlighted the skill and dedication of jockeys, trainers, and horse owners, captivating the audience with moments of intense competition and triumph. HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad lauded the unwavering support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for equestrian sports in Bahrain, as well as the efforts of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in advancing the sport. 'The development of equestrian sports in Bahrain is a testament to the Kingdom's commitment to excellence and its dedication to providing world-class facilities and opportunities for athletes,' he said. His Highness also commended HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa for his role in enhancing the REHC, noting that the club's ongoing improvements have solidified its reputation as a premier venue for international equestrian events. HH Shaikh Nasser extended his congratulations to the winning horse owners, trainers, and jockeys, praising their achievements and contributions to the sport. The event not only celebrated the winners but also highlighted Bahrain's growing stature as a global hub for equestrian excellence.
The Independent
09-03-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Sir Alex Ferguson is a winner – can his horses follow suit at Cheltenham?
Sir Alex Ferguson spent a sporting career picking up trophies and it remains a trait he has maintained throughout his retirement. The most decorated manager British football has ever seen has also enjoyed a successful link with horse racing stretching back decades, although unlike his management career, it hasn't always been plain sailing. A much-publicised 2003 dispute with Coolmore supremo John Magnier over unpaid stud fees regarding 2,000 Guineas winner Rock Of Gibraltar, ended in an ugly public row with matters complicated still further by Magnier and business partner JP McManus holding a near quarter share in Manchester United at the time. Ferguson claimed he was gifted a 50 per cent share in the seven-time Group 1 winner, which he owned in partnership with Magnier's wife Sue, and argued the agreement extended to the colt's earnings at stud as well as the prize money generated during a record-breaking career. With Rock Of Gibraltar expected to earn millions as a sire, the stakes were high and Ferguson began legal proceedings against Magnier in 2003. Magnier countered and, along with McManus, submitted their 99 Questions to the United board, demanding answers over the club's affairs and transfer dealings, with key questions asked about Cristiano Ronaldo, Jaap Stam and Tim Howard's transfers. It was move which brought the row to a head and the two parties eventually resolved the dispute out of court. Thankfully, in retirement Ferguson has enjoyed sunnier times in his second guise as a racehorse owner. Talented middle-distance Flat performer Spirit Dancer, who he owns alongside good friend Ged Mason, has become a Middle-Eastern money-spinner, twice winning the Bahrain International Trophy as well as recording success in the valuable Neom Cup in Saudi Arabia. The eight-year-old nine-time winner has amassed more than £2m in prize money and just when the Manchester United legend didn't think Spirit Dancer's heroics could be surpassed, step forward Monmiral and Protektorat. One thing Ferguson has always done is surround himself with winners. In selecting 14-time Champion trainer Paul Nicholls as his preferred trainer, Mason and Ferguson chose wisely and the Ditcheat handler rewarded the faith and investment by delivering the duo's first Cheltenham Festival winner as a partnership with Monmiral snatching the Pertemps Final last March at huge odds of 25/1. Better was to come just 40 minutes later when the Dan Skelton-trained Protektorat, also owned in conjunction with father and daughter, John and Lisa Hales, landed the Grade 1 Ryanair Chase to complete a memorable big-race double for Ferguson and his partners. Both Monmiral and Protektorat are back for this year's Festival and will be supported by a strong compliment of equine talent, led by L'Eau du Sud who is fancied to land the My Pension Expert Arkle Chase on day one of the meeting. Sadly, successful Shropshire businessman Hales, who made his money through the Golden Bear Toys company he co-founded in 1979, won't be present at Cheltenham having passed away at the end of January, aged 85. Ferguson was present alongside Mason at the funeral and many of the horses which have run since have carried the Hales silks as his fellow owners continue to pay their respects to one of National Hunt racing's most influential owners of the past 40 years. The talented triumvirate of Monmiral, Protektorat and L'Eau du Sud could be joined at Prestbury Park by the likes of Hitman (66/1 for the Ryanair Chase), this season's Paddy Power Gold Cup winner Il Ridoto (33/1 for the TrustATrader Plate) and Kalif Du Berlais who holds a couple of entries but looks more likely to run in the Grand Annual Chase on day two (16/1 generally). There could also be a Festival appearance by Caldwell Potter who became the most expensive National Hunt horse ever sold at public auction when Ferguson and his ownership group outlaid €740,000 or more than £630,000 to secure him from a dispersal sale 12 months ago. The syndicate, also including bookmaker Peter Done, had high hopes for their marquee purchase, but he has proved difficult to train and has yet to justify the price tag, even encouraging one sage on X to suggest he could be Ferguson's worst ever signing. However, although beaten at Windsor back in January by Gidleigh Park, Caldwell Potter has shown enough in his races to suggest he can still win a valuable event this spring, albeit his frail feet will have to play ball and allow him to remain on target for Prestbury Park. If anyone can prise a big effort from the seven-year-old grey then it is trainer Paul Nicholls and the Jack Richards Novices' Limited Handicap Chase could be a nice fit for a horse which has already jumped well around Cheltenham this season. Ferguson was never one to shy away from a challenge in his management career and in Nicholls he has found a true kindred spirit, fiercely competitive with a passionate will to win, even when the odds look stacked against him. The duo will be doing their upmost to derail the Willie Mullins bandwagon at Cheltenham and British jumps racing is all the more richer for their partnership.
