Horses from Bahrain win the Bahrain Turf Series again
-
Sulaiman
- . December 31, 2022
- . Update: December 31, 2022 8:44 pm
In yesterday’s third and fourth Bahrain Turf Series races, Bahrain-based horses returned to winning form. The Bahrain Olympic Committee president, HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the deputy chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the chairman of the Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club High Committee, and other top officials were present for yesterday’s activities.
Osama Hasan and Hesham Al Haddad both made their debuts in the Bahrain Turf Series this year, winning the Al Riffa Cup and the Al Dana Cup, respectively.
Hector Crouch’s Dark Shadow used a quick turn of foot over 1200 metres to hold off Watchya in the stretch of the race, and he returned to the victor’s enclosure wearing the traditional Al Mohamediya Racing colours. Hector Crouch travelled to Bahrain for a single ride and was thrilled with his major victory.
He stated, “It everything went pretty nicely for me,” after the race. I’m thrilled for His Highness Shaikh Sultan and Osama (Hashim), as we were drawn high and he needs a fast pace to aim at. Today, with 16 runners and swift ground, that’s what he got.
Crouch had a close relationship with Dark Shadow at the time that he was being coached in the UK by Clive Cox, so he was well acquainted with him.
Read | Libya PM admits government role in extraditing Lockerbie bomb suspect to U.S
The jockey was happy to get back on board because this was his first time riding Dark Shadow in Bahrain. “I was really looking forward to getting back on him,” continued Crouch, “because on his day, he’s incredibly gifted. I guess it’s been around three years since I rode him in England.” Watchya, who was running for trainer George Baker for the first time under Pat Cosgrave, finished in second place, and Nomdic Empire, the previous Series winner, finished third.
In Bahrain’s Al Dana Cup over 2000m, The Covex Kid, coached by Hesham Al Haddad, won for the third time in a row to extend his winning streak to five. Hesham Al Haddad, the Series’ reigning trainer last year, buckled under the burden this time around.
“We had an extraordinary year last year, but the pressure is on now, and we need to keep working hard to win more,” he remarked after the race. I think we’re headed in the right direction.
He continued, “It was a highly competitive race, and we were a little concerned when the horse was hemmed in at the fast furlong.
He was expertly guided by Neil (Callan), who also helped him locate the sun and emerge at the appropriate moment. In addition to contacts, we are quite happy.
What A Welcome ran another strong race to finish in second place, giving Hesham a one-two in the race.
With another Bahrain Turf Series victory under his belt, winning jockey Neil Callan is no stranger to the winners’ circle.
