What is the race?
The 2022 edition of G3 Bahrain International Trophy, which begins in just five minutes time, will be another chance for the Kingdom of Bahrain to showcase the island's growing racing industry to the world. The race is the brainchild of Shaikh Isa Bin Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who has served as the country's ruler for over twenty years. Staged at Sakhir Racecourse, half an hour south of the capital, the course is home of the Bahrain Turf Club. It boasts one of the finest grass tracks in the Middle East... in fact, there are two turf tracks, along with a sand track for training, stabling and treatment facilities.
Who'll win this year's renewal?
Last year's winner, Lord Glitters, isn't going again. But challenges this year come from Willie McCreery-trained Insinuendo. Meanwhile, French-trained Magny Cours, who was beaten less than a length last year, returns under Mickael Barzalona, running for André Fabre. Charlie Appleby trains Royal Fleet, who'll have William Buick on baord. Another Godolphin trainer, meanwhile, Saaeed bin Suroor, gives us Passion and Glory (Richard Kingscote rides) and Dubai Future (winner of this year's Wolferton Stakes at Royal Ascot). Look out for our ambassador too, aboard Dilawar... as well as Scandinavian hope King David, running for Norwegian trainer Niels Peterson.