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The Kingdom of Bahrain has always had a storied history with horses. A unique collection of pure-bred Arabian horses can be found on the island thanks to its rulers’ initiatives. In the past, races were conducted in private meetings. Come 1948, the decision was made to conduct horse racing under one vast umbrella. That led to the Rashid Equestrian & Horseracing Club. Founded in 1977, the REHC is the premier racing authority in the kingdom.

The 2023 edition of the Bahrain International Trophy will take place on November 17 in Riffa. That is the most anticipated event on the REHC’s calendar. While the sun beats down mercilessly in the kingdom, trainers found a novel way to keep their horses primed. The World Horse Racing handle on X (formerly twitter) made it public knowledge.

Horses made to swim, particularly the aging ones

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Working the horses on the track every single day is not an option given the weather in Bahrain. One strategy trainers use to keep them fit, particularly the older ones, is to make them swim in the pool. It is a novel solution that also helps the horses beat the heat. One of the trainers put it thus, We swim our horses, you know. Let’s rider on, so we can increase the work, and you know, maintain between the track and between the swimming pool. Especially when my horses, as they get older, I try to maintain, you know, like not every day to the track.

One major advantage of equine aquatics is that each horse works muscles they would otherwise not use on land. Simultaneously, it is easy on the joints, just as it is with human beings. The trainer added, Like the human, you know, when you go swimming, you fit enough, you use a lot of things without pressure.” There are benefits to spending time in the water that transfer to terra firma. That will be apparent when the biggest event in the BTC’s calendar kicks off.

The biggest horse racing event in the kingdom

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The Bahrain Turf Club’s chief aim is to make the kingdom an important destination for all things horse racing. With the prize fund for the Bahrain International Trophy increased to $1 million, it is expected to be quite the spectacle. Moreover, the line-up for the race is the strongest one yet. It will be the eighth and final race held on the day, covering a distance totaling 2,000 meters.

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There are two turf tracks measuring 2,400 meters at the venue, with an additional sand track for training purposes. The grandstand can seat around 3,000 people. No shortage of amenities exists there, with an on-course entertainment hub sure to appeal to all ages.

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In short, the current running of the Bahrain International Trophy promises to be a smash hit. It is a race that is only four years old, following its introduction in 2019. The REHC has pulled out all the stops in a bid to ensure horse racing in Bahrain gets more international recognition. Their primary goal is to attract the best in the sport to the kingdom. It remains to be seen how successful that venture proves to be.

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