His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Isa bin Salman Education Charitable Trust, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), and Chairman of the Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club High Committee (REHC), chaired a REHC High Committee Meeting today at Riffa Palace.
HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman emphasised that advancing the Kingdom’s horseracing and equestrian sector requires robust infrastructure and development projects to meet the Kingdom’s aspirations. This aligns with the broad vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
The REHC High Committee reviewed the Asian Pattern Committee’s report, which elevated the King’s Cup to Group 3 Level. Additionally, the HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa Cup and the HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa Cup have been granted Listed status internationally.
The REHC High Committee commended the new status promotion, recognising it as an international achievement that reflects the Kingdom’s prominent position in the global equestrian sector.
The Committee reviewed the 2024/2025 racing season calendar and approved several development initiatives aimed at enhancing the REHC’s status as a premier international destination for horseracing.
During the meeting, the REHC High Committee welcomed the introduction of night races in the upcoming seasons for the first time in the Kingdom following the completion of the Night Lighting project.
The Committee emphasised that the night races would help attract more international participants, building on the successes of previous international horseracing competitions held in the Kingdom. These races saw the active involvement of international owners and trainers.
During the meeting, the REHC High Committee expressed its gratitude to the partners and sponsors supporting the Club, emphasising that their contributions strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a global horseracing hub. In this regard, the Committee commended efforts to expand the new season to 30 horse races, highlighting an increase in both the local and international racing schedule.
The REHC High Committee also discussed expanding the Bahrain Turf Series to include 12 rounds, further enhancing the tournament’s global appeal and attracting greater international participation.
In line with REHC’s efforts to boost the production of locally bred horses, the REHC High Committee reviewed updates on the launch of the all-new Future Stars Championship, dedicated to locally bred horses. The championship will feature six races across three rounds, aiming to encourage Bahraini owners to enhance their capabilities and the quality of their locally bred horses.
The REHC High Committee reviewed several development projects aimed at enhancing the REHC’s facilities, including upgrades to the main platform of the racetrack.
The REHC High Committee stressed that these developments are integral to the Club’s plans to elevate the experience for participants and attendees while strengthening the Kingdom’s equestrian sector regionally and internationally.
The REHC High Committee also discussed mechanisms for enhancing REHC’s investment opportunities.
The REHC High Committee extended its best wishes for success to all participants in the new season, set to begin on Friday, 1 November.
The REHC will hold the season’s inaugural race, The Late His Highness Shaikh Rashid Bin Isa Al Khalifa Cup, in honour of his contributions to the REHC. Weekly races are expected to continue throughout the season until the final race.
