Bahrain
History
Horses have always been part of Bahrainy culture. Racing was conducted originally as private meetings. Horses that raced were pure Arabians. Arabian horses were imported from Saudi Arabia over 240 years ago. Great care was taken to maintain the purity of the blood by the Royal Al Khalifa family.
In 1948 a committee was formed to have horse racing conducted under one umbrella. Racing was then organised with a tote facility to meet the international standards. With the support of the Royal family racing prospered and in 1977 the Amir of Bahrain issued a decree to establish the Equestrian and Horse Racing Club to be the only racing authority in Bahrain. The club takes an active part in international racing activities and is a member of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities and the Asian Racing Federation.
Two grass tracks measuring about 2,400 meters with a straight of 1200 meters, one sand track, grand stand with a seating capacity of over 3000, stables for 300 horses were constructed in 1981.
The racing season starts in November and ends in April each year. About 300 horses participate. It takes place one day a week with six races a day with an average field of 10 runners. Five races are formed for thoroughbreds and one for Pure Arabians.
The Amir of Bahrain and the members of the Royal family have been importing quality bloodstock to improve the local thoroughbreds. More and more Bahrainy nationals are also breeding thoroughbreds. The club holds the Bahrain Stud Book for the registration of the thoroughbreds.
Name of Racing Authority: Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club
Postal Address: PO Box 25079 - Kingdom of Bahrain
Tel: (973)17440 440 or (973)17442 666
Fax: (973)17442 777
Email: studbook@batelco.com.bh
Web Site: - www.bahrainhorseracing.com
Chairman: HRH. SH. Abdulla Bin Isa Al Khalifa
Deputy Chairman: H.E. SH. Faisal Bin Rashid Al Khalifa
Stewards / Committee:
Director General: Mr Tawfiq Sharaf Al Alawi
Deputy Director General: Mr Khalid S Al Mosalam
Racing Director: Mr Hussain Qassim
Registrar Stud Book: Mr Mohamed Qassim
Principal Races:
| Name | Classification:International / Domestic | Approx Date | Prize Money (in BD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Bahrain Derby | Domestic | April | 10,650 |
| 2. His Majisty The King Cup | Domestic | March | 10,000 |
| 3. Owners Cup | Domestic | April | 7,250 |
| 4. H.H. The Crown Prince Cup | Domestic | February | 7,000 |
| 5. Bahrain Gold Cup | Domestic | March | 6,000 |
| 6. Bahrain Silver Cup | Domestic | February | 5,000 |
Principal Festivals/Race Meetings:
| Name | Approx Date | Prize Money (in BD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. National Day Cup | December | 2,000 |