Rashid Equestrian & Horseracing Club Unveils Ambitious 2025–2026 Season Calendar

Manama, Aug. 31 (BNA): The Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club (REHC) has officially approved its racing calendar for the 2025–2026 season, which is set to commence on Friday, October 31, 2025. The season promises a rich blend of local and international races, enhanced by strategic development initiatives in line with the Club’s vision to elevate Bahrain’s global standing in horse racing.

Under the directives of the Club’s High Committee, chaired by His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Minister of the Prime Minister’s Court, the upcoming season focuses on both technical and administrative excellence, reinforcing Bahrain’s role as a key player in global equestrian sports.

Key Highlights of the 2025–2026 REHC Season:

• His Majesty the King’s Cup Festival, the pinnacle event, will return on March 5–6, 2026, with prize money increased to $400,000, further boosting its appeal to elite international participants. Following its upgrade to Group 3, the race is expected to attract top-tier thoroughbreds from renowned global studs.

• The 7th edition of the Bahrain International Trophy (Group 2) will take place on Friday, November 14, 2025, and will be broadcast live in over 100 countries, underlining its international prominence.

• The Bahrain Turf Series returns with 12 high-stakes races, held across six rounds on:

  • December 19, 2025

  • January 2, 16, and 29, 2026

  • February 19, 2026

  • Final round: March 5, 2026

• The Crown Prince’s Cup Festival will be celebrated over two days: January 29–30, 2026.

• The season will conclude with a grand finale on Friday, April 17, 2026.

In a statement, Yusuf Osama Buheji, CEO of REHC, emphasized that the new season will represent a qualitative leap in race organization and fan experience, building on past successes. He also confirmed the return of night races, following their popularity among fans and participants.

Fan Engagement & Infrastructure Developments:

• An electronic ticketing system will be introduced via the Club’s website, offering multiple ticket categories with exclusive services and benefits.

• The public events area will be expanded with entertainment programs, national celebrations, and cultural experiences, including:

  • National Day celebrations

  • The popular RoyalTea Evening (January 23, 2026)

  • Ramadhan Nights Festival

  • Interactive competitions and family-friendly activities

• A new main entrance gate and dedicated public street will be inaugurated to improve traffic flow and accessibility, as part of REHC’s ongoing infrastructure upgrade plan.

Supporting Local Talent:

The Future Stars Series, now in its second edition, will feature six races across three rounds, exclusively for locally bred horses. This initiative supports local equine development and Bahraini jockeys, providing them with a platform for growth and international exposure.

Buheji expressed gratitude to all sponsors and partners, both local and international, for their continued support, which has been crucial to the Club’s evolution and its recognition on the regional and global racing stage.

With an enhanced calendar, world-class facilities, and a focus on sustainability and public engagement, the 2025–2026 REHC season is poised to deliver a premier racing experience that reflects Bahrain’s leadership and innovation in equestrian sports.