For the first time, all the participants and stakeholders of Bahrain’s inaugural international horse race will come together.
The week of festivities surrounding the inaugural Bahrain International Trophy officially begins with the Post Position Draw (PPD) being held on November 20th, 12 noon at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay.
The PPD involves a random selection process to determine which position each horse will take in the starting gates. Each trainer, or another representative, will take the stage and select a Gulf Air memento, under which the post positions will be revealed. Although it is preferable to draw low rather than high; the 2,000 metre (10 furlong) distance of the outing means it will be anyone’s race, due to the significant run to the first bend.
The PPD will be the first time that all the connections come together, and meet with officials from the racetrack. Seven of the nine European trainers will be in attendance, ready to show off their horses and discuss their chances with the media. Coverage of this occasion plus the main events will be broadcast internationally and exclusively on Racing TV and on BTV for local audiences.
Famous TV racing presenter Nick Luck will be presenting the draw and noted horse racing announcer Mark Johnson will also be in attendance.
Adrian Beaumont, Director of International Racing Bureau (IRB), commented: “Everyone is very excited to participate in the first ever running of the Bahrain International Trophy. The Post Position Draw is a great way to start the week, and preview the meeting. Everyone is looking forward to spending time in Bahrain during the week ahead – and we can’t wait for Friday.”
Another glittering highlight of the draw’s activities will be the grand unveiling of the magnificent sterling silver and mahogany trophy that has been commission from the illustrious House of Garrard.
Bahrain International Trophy is the Kingdom’s first ever international horse race, and will take place on Friday November 22nd at the Rashid Equestrian & Horseracing Club (REHC). It is being spearheaded by REHC Executive Director Shaikh Salman bin Rashed Al Khalifa and supported by local partners Gulf Air, BAPCO and Batelco.
It is expected that the event will place Bahrain prominently on the world horse racing calendar, and usher in a new era of world-class competition, attracting insiders and spectators from around the world each year.
This Friday during the main event, preliminary races will start from 1:55pm and the main race is at 4:30pm. This turf race will feature 14 thoroughbreds, including nine racehorses that have flown in from around Europe and five local runners. They were selected from 46 global entries, and are rated at or above 95 by their domestic authority, with six rated 106 and over.
The runners will be accompanied by their equally impressive owners, jockeys and trainers. Media teams and photographers representing leading international horse racing publications will be on the ground to capture the historic action.
The event is open to the public, free of cost, with entertainment for the entire family, including children’s activities, as well as food and drinks.
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more information.
