This year's edition of the G2 Bahrain International Trophy will feature an increased purse of $1 million, the Bahrain Turf Club announced on Thursday.
The highest profile race in the kingdom, the race was promoted to Group 2 level by the Asian Pattern Committee recently. It was won in 2022 by Dubai Future (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) for trainer Saeed bin Suroor and Godolphin.
His Highness Shaikh Isa Bin Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Rashid Equestrian & Horseracing Club, said, “The Bahrain International Trophy is our showpiece event and its promotion to Group 2 status represents another significant step in growing the Kingdom's standing on the international racing stage.
“We are looking forward to staging the best horseracing event to date and welcoming runners from all over the world to Bahrain.”
The addition of the purse boost for the Bahrain International Trophy is part of the all-round investment programme in the country which will boast record purses for the 2023-24 season. All three Bahraini listed races, the Crown Prince's Cup, the King's Cup and the Al Methaq Mile, have received purse hikes, as has the 10-race Bahrain Turf Series with each race worth $80,000 (£65,000).
Yusuf Buheji, CEO of the Bahrain Turf Club added, “We are delighted to announce the staging of the first $1-million race in Bahrain, along with increases in the value of all our Pattern races, the Bahrain Turf Series and our wider domestic programme.
“In addition to increases in prize money, we continue to invest in our racing and training facilities, as well as our integrity standards. Through these initiatives, as well as our partnerships and sponsorship portfolio, the aim is to further raise the standard of racing in Bahrain and welcome more international visitors.”
For more information, please visit the BTC website.
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