The fifth running of the $1 million Bahraini showpiece resulted in a memorable win for the Richard Fahey-trained six-year-old horse, co-owned and produced by one of soccer’s most famous figures. Ta.
Bahrain: The fifth edition of the Bahrain International Trophy, which has been promoted to G2, brought memorable results and jubilation as six-year-old gelding Spirit Dancer, co-owned and bred by Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson, scored the decisive goal. created a scene. If you win, you will receive the winner’s share of the $1 million prize.
In front of an excited crowd at Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club (REHC), Spirit Dancer (Richard Fahey/Oisin Orr) held off her rivals, leaving Isler and Point Lonsdale battling for second and third place.
REHC Chairman Sheikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa said: “Following the Spirit Dancers’ victory in the 2023 Bahrain International Trophy, we would like to express our gratitude to Sir Alex Ferguson and Ged Mason. I would like to congratulate the owners of Spirit Dancer, including Mr.
“It was a thrilling race to watch and, in terms of quality, the best horse racing ever held in the Kingdom,” Shaikh continued.
“We are also delighted that this race was witnessed by the largest crowd in the race’s five-year history, both in terms of club attendance and the global audience in the 110 countries where the race was broadcast. .
“We are very proud of how the Bahrain International Trophy has grown and would like to thank the international participants who supported the race and helped raise the profile of the race in Bahrain. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to you. We are already looking forward to 2024 and hope that it will match this year’s achievements.”
The strongest renewal in the race’s five-year history, the field included runners from five countries and three past G1 winners. Also, the prize money has been increased to his $1 million and the race’s status has been upgraded to his G2 level, making this race more valuable than ever.
It was a special day for 81-year-old Sir Alex Ferguson, who owns and produces Spirit Dancer and won numerous trophies during his illustrious football career. He called it the best moment of his racing career.
After the race, Ferguson said: “That was the best moment (of my racing career), for sure. I was worried when you saw the field – Godolphin, O’Brien, Favre, they all have horses here. , and we’re a stable just a short distance from Yorkshire. It was a great performance. He won well.
“When he hit up front, Gedo [co-owner Ged Mason] It just jumped out at me! At 100 yards out he looked like he could win, but I didn’t want to count the chickens. I was just praying and he took me over the line. He won well and he won easily. ”
Trainer Richard Fahey added: “This race has been planned for quite some time and it was a pleasant surprise to win given the quality of the opponents.” Our stay in Bahrain was wonderful. Sir Alex and Ged both looked after us incredibly well and we enjoyed every moment. Realistically, I didn’t expect to win, but Spirit Dancer and Oisin saved the day and ultimately won. ”
Second place went to Isler, owned by Shadwell Estate and trained in England by John and Sadie Gosden, and third place went to Point Lonsdale, owned by Coolmore Partners and trained in Ireland by Aidan O’Brien.
• Visit the Bahrain Turf Club website and the Great British Racing International website.
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