If the two French competitors Calif and Andromeda ran very well, both finishing, Sir Alex Ferguson, living football legend, won the Bahrain International Trophy for the second time with Spirit Dancer. See the BIG FILM produced on site and the PHOTOS gallery.
Bahrain is a rather lucky little archipelago when it comes to horse racing. Long in the shadow of its famous neighbors in the Persian Gulf, from Dubai to Qatar via Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom led by the Al Khalifa family, has decided to make itself known to the great powers through motorsport but also horse racing. Many efforts have been made since the end of the 5 or 6 years, despite Covid, with the reconstruction of the racecourse, the importation of a host of good European horses to supply a consolidated, enriched and harmonized local program with its aforementioned neighbors. But obviously, the 2 consecutive victories of a living football legend present on site, Sir Alex Fergusonthanks to his student Spirit Dancer, offers Bahrain horse racing an extraordinary international exposure for both high society and the general public.
Spirit Dancer, ridden by Oison Orr, returns in the last strides to pick up the favorite Lead Artist, associated with Kieran Shoemark.
Because in the concert of the biggest international houses which now frequent the Al Riffa racecourse, those of Godolphin, Juddmonte or Coolmore, the most watched in this Barhain International Trophy remains that of the guest star Sir Alex Ferguson whose colors are red like that of the Manchester United team whose immense record he forged. Moreover, after the awards ceremony, a crowd from nowhere invaded the presentation circle to take selfies!
Sir Alex Ferguson (right), with Spirit Dancer, Oisin Orr, his trainer Richard Fahey (left) and his partner Paul Done.
Sir Alex is even more proud of Spirit Dancer that he is none other than her very first homeschooler. Winner in 2023 as an outsider, this son of Frankelridden by Oisin Orr, made an improbable comeback after an injury, a long month off and a failed comeback, 7th out of 8, in England last month. Despite all the circumstances, his trainer Richard Fahey did not hide his confidence beforehand, even with the number 11 in the stalls, which was also that of his success last year. Indeed, his horse transforms upon arriving under the Middle Eastern sun.
Won for its 1st edition by the French Royal Julius in 2019, resident of Jérôme Reynier associated with Stéphane Pasquier, the Barhain International Trophy then became a Listed to reach Gr.2 qualification in 2023. After 3 years, and without a doubt given the quality of the field in 2024, this event will become an international Gr.1, 2026. Only 3 years old at the start, wearing the Juddmonte jacket, Lead Artist (Dubawi) was the favorite for the race, based on his two recent Gr.3 victories in England. But while he seemed set for glory under the saddle of Kieran Shoemark, the resident of John and Thady Gosden was joined in the last strides by the old warrior Spirit Dancer and finished 2nd. And the Gosdens therefore leave Bahrain for the 4th time in a row with 2nd place!
Calif, ridden by Adrie de Vries
Finally quite close to the duel which monopolized attention, the French Califpresented by Carlos et Yann Lernerachieved a remarkable 3rd place. Edited by Adrie de Vries, the son ofAreionbought for €400,000 at the Arc 2023 sale, still leaves those around him with regrets because he almost ruined his chances by stumbling at the start. He found himself at the back but his experienced jockey managed to regain ground by slipping through the peloton. This is an important political accession, because Calif defends the red coat of Victorious Racing, that is to say Prince Nasser Al Khalif, son of King Hamad, married to the daughter of Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum, of Dubai.
Presented by Francis-Henri Graffardand entrusted to Christophe Soumillon who discovered the racecourse, the French 5 year old Andromeda achieved a remarkable 5th place. Having enjoyed a dream run in the wake of the leaders, she had her chance halfway through the straight before courageously sustaining her effort all the way to the post. Francis-Henri Graffard, who has a taste for travel, came to test the waters for future prospects. Concerning Yann Lerner, his links now established with the princes of Bahrain will obviously lead him to return regularly. In the meantime, his resident Calif will stay this winter at the Al Riffa racecourse, in the care of Stéphane Ladjadj, to undoubtedly compete in the major events in Saudi Arabia and then Dubai, with an option in mid-December for the major meeting in Hong Kong where he was invited.
On the left, Andromeda with Francis-Henri Graffard. On the right, Calif with Yann Lerner.
Spirit Dancer
Sir Alex Ferguson with Richard Fahey
Christophe Soumillon, jockey from Andromède.
Yann Lerner with Adrie de Vries and Oliver Saint-Lawrence.
Lead Artist
