The Bahrain International Trophy has reached a major milestone in its short but impressive history, with the 2026 edition set to become the first Group 1 race to be staged in Bahrain. The upgrade marks a significant moment for the country’s racing ambitions and reflects the steady growth of one of the region’s most important international contests.
Bahrain International Trophy 2026
The 2026 Bahrain International Trophy will be run on Friday, 13 November at the Rashid Equestrian & Horseracing Club, with the race receiving an increased prize fund of $1.5 million following its promotion. The ten-furlong (2000m) event, established in 2019, has quickly developed into Bahrain’s most valuable race and now reaches the highest level of international recognition after seven editions.
The Bahrain International Trophy 2026 will headline the season as Bahrain prepares to host its first Group 1 race.
The promotion represents a landmark achievement for the Bahrain Turf Club, which has focused on building stronger international connections and attracting elite horses from around the world. Since its launch, the race has continued to improve in quality, drawing leading contenders and strengthening Bahrain’s position on the global racing calendar.
His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Bahrain Turf Club, described the upgrade as a proud moment for the Kingdom and highlighted the long-term vision behind the race.
He said the ambition from the beginning was to create a race capable of reaching the highest level, adding that achieving Group 1 status after only seven years was a significant achievement for Bahrain racing.
The rise of the Bahrain International Trophy has also been reflected in the quality of its winners. Spirit Dancer created history by becoming the first horse to win the race twice, securing victories in 2023 and 2024. Royal Champion, another notable winner, later added a Group 1 success to his record under trainer Karl Burke and has established himself among the world’s leading-rated horses.
Yusuf Buheji, Chief Executive Officer of the Bahrain Turf Club, said the promotion was a major step in the continued development of the sport in Bahrain. He added that the wider programme of premier races is also growing, creating more opportunities for international participation throughout the season.
Entries for the 2026 renewal of the Bahrain International Trophy will close on Wednesday, 30 September. With its new status and increased international appeal, the race is expected to attract another strong group of horses as Bahrain prepares for a historic chapter in its racing journey.
For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to racebuzz












