Royal Champion returns to Bahrain aiming to defend his Bahrain International Trophy title against a field of 13 runners on Friday. The eight-year-old, trained by Karl Burke and ridden by Clifford Lee, has a record that includes two Group Two wins and a Group One victory in the Neom Turf Cup in Saudi Arabia earlier this year. Facing a deep lineup, Royal Champion looks to add a second Bahrain International Trophy to his resume.
Among the challengers is Wimbledon Hawkeye, trained by George Scott, who has improved steadily since joining his new stable. The gelding took the Group Two Prix Dollar on Arc weekend, beating several of the same horses he will meet again in Bahrain. Christophe Soumillon is booked to ride Wimbledon Hawkeye and the pair will be closely watched.
OisÃn Murphy is set for his first ride on Sallaal, a horse making his debut for Ed Crisford. Sallaal impressed with three consecutive wins under Roger Varian before the switch and has earned his place in top-level company. Francis-Henri Graffard’s Zaydann, who finished second to Wimbledon Hawkeye in the Prix Dollar, is also in the mix, adding further quality to the contest.
The Bahrain International Trophy is part of a busy day of racing across multiple venues, with live coverage on Sky Sports Racing beginning at 12.20pm. Alongside the flat action in Bahrain, Sedgefield and Southwell host jumps racing, including a mares’ novices’ hurdle at Southwell that features Nicky Henderson’s Madam Speaker and Clondaw Park.
Madam Speaker arrives with consistent form from bumpers, having placed in all three of her starts. Henderson expects her to show improvement over hurdles. Clondaw Park, purchased for £320,000 at the Tatts Cheltenham sale after a convincing maiden point win, has contested Listed company and finished third in a novices’ hurdle at Chepstow. Olly Murphy’s Crystalate, who has taken silver in her two bumper starts, is also among the contenders.
At Sedgefield, the Christmas Jumper Raceday 22nd December Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle features a trio of last-time winners: Wee Alki, Jeteye, and Frisky Risky. Wee Alki, topweight in the race, recorded a third hurdle win at Perth but will face a tougher test off a career-high mark. Jeteye secured a fourth win of the year at Sedgefield and could capitalize on a lower hurdles rating. Frisky Risky, trained by Brian Ellison, is less experienced but comes into the race on the back of a win at Hexham and carries a 6lbs penalty.
Elsewhere at Bahrain, the 3.45 Gulf Of Bahrain Cup draws attention with Dubai Future, Emit, and Gaucher among the runners. Space Waltz and Beylerbeyi are also expected to feature. Southwell’s 2.05 race sees Mirage d’Alene making her appeal on bumper debut.
Sedgefield’s Sam England holds a 38 percent strike rate this season, adding intrigue to the jumps meeting.
Friday’s schedule combines competitive flat racing in Bahrain with a strong jumps card in the UK, all available live on Sky Sports Racing. The Bahrain International Trophy promises a thrilling renewal with Royal Champion chasing a rare consecutive win in a field packed with in-form performers.
According to Sky Sports.
