The CEO of Phoenix Thoroughbreds, Amer Abdulaziz, has confirmed his innovative investment fund intends to send a runner to contend the inaugural Bahrain International Trophy.
Announced last Thursday the new race, the first of its kind in the country, will take place on November 22nd and run on turf over a mile and a quarter, with a £200,000 prize pot. Open to horses rated 95 and over the Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club hopes to attract top-class entries for across the globe.
A native of Bahrain, Abdulaziz was a multiple Champion owner in the country in the 1980s, and his family ran a stud farm dedicated to breeding top class purebred Arabians. He admits the chance to be involved in such a historic moment for racing in his home country excites him.
“We are a global company, but Bahrain racing is very important to me.” Explained Abdulaziz. “It’s my roots, where I came from, and I’ve always been involved in horses there. I’m thrilled that we finally have something like this coming to Bahrain. I grew up going to that racetrack, it has a lot of value for me, and I’m really attached to it. For us (Bahrain) to be hosting an international race like that is superb and Phoenix Thoroughbreds and myself are excited about it and determined to be part of it as well.”
The race could come at a perfect moment for the group with the season in Dubai just getting underway at around the same time. Phoenix plans to have their strongest ever team competing in the UAE this winter and would dearly love to add success in Bahrain to their global portfolio of winners.