French Classic winner Marhaba Ya Sanafi (Ire) (Muhaarar {GB}) heads a total of 60 entries for the $1-million Bahrain International Trophy, which has this year been upgraded to Group 2 status and is set to be run on Friday, November 17.
The list of international challengers features horses from eight countries, including France, Germany, Britain and Ireland, with 38 group winners among them.
Other notable entries include Godolphin's dual Group/Grade 1 winner Nations Pride (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}), Horizon Doré (Fr) (Dabirsim {Fr}), recent winner of the G2 Prix Dollar, G2 Dante winner The Foxes (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}), Coolmore's globetrotting Point Lonsdale (Ire) ((Australia {GB}), and last year's winner of the Bahrain International Trophy, Dubai Future (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}). The 10-furlong race will have maximum field of 14.
Yusuf Buheji, CEO, Bahrain Turf Club, said, “We are delighted that the Bahrain International Trophy has attracted such a strong entry. To have eight different countries represented and for the horses to be of such a high standard is very encouraging.
“The Bahrain International Trophy is our showpiece event and we are looking forward to staging the most competitive and valuable running of the race to date and welcoming runners and their connections from all over the world to Bahrain.”
Ed Veale, Director of Racing and International Relations for the Bahrain Turf Club added, “To have a total of 60 entries featuring 38 Group race winners, including three that have scored at the highest level, is fantastic and a reward for the sustained investment in the race by the Club.”
The Bahrain International Trophy is not the only race on the island to have received a boost in prize-money. Bahrain's three Listed races, the Crown Prince's Cup, the King's Cup and the Al Methaq Mile, have all increased in value and the prize-money on offer in the ten races that comprise the Bahrain Turf Series has also increased with each race now worth $80,000 (£65,000).
A full list of entries can be found here.
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