bahrainthismonth.com | JANUARY 2026 EVENTS 24 Crowning the Turf The Crown Prince’s Cup Festival 2026 returns to the Rashid Equestrian & Horseracing Club from January 29–30. Blending elite competition with royal patronage and social tradition, the festival reflects more than four decades of equestrian excellence in Bahrain and continues to reaffirm its position as one of the defining moments of the Kingdom’s winter racing season. First run in 1982, the Crown Prince’s Cup was established as a premier contest designed to honour Bahrain’s deep-rooted horse-racing heritage while elevating the standard of domestic competition. Its inaugural edition marked the beginning of what would become one of the most enduring trophies on the national racing calendar. Over time, the competition evolved in step with Bahrain’s expanding racing infrastructure. What began as a single headline race gradually developed into a broader showcase of talent, attracting leading owners, trainers and jockeys from across the region. A significant milestone came in 2015 with the introduction of a dedicated category for imported horses, opening the field to international contenders and signalling Bahrain’s growing ambition on the global racing stage. The international outlook now defines the modern festival format. In recent seasons, the
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