Bahrain will stage its first group 1 this year after the nation's flagship Bahrain International Trophy (G1) was upgraded. Prize money for the 2026 running has also increased to $1.5 million.
This year's 2,000-meter (about 1 1/4 mile) turf race takes place Nov. 13 at the Rashid Equestrian & Horseracing Club's Sakhir Racecourse.
Since the first staging of the Bahrain International Trophy in 2019, Bahrain has sought to grow its influence in global racing through a bolstered domestic program and investment into Europe through ownership and sponsorship.
Last year, Royal Champion landed the Bahrain International Trophy, then a group 2 worth $1 million, before going on to win the Neom Turf Cup (G1T) in Saudi Arabia.
Spirit Dancer, owned and bred by Sir Alex Ferguson, was a back-to-back winner of Bahrain's biggest race in 2023 and 2024.
Shaikh Isa Al Khalifa, chairman of the Bahrain Turf Club and best known in Europe as the owner of Economics, said: "When we established the Bahrain International Trophy, it was always our ambition and belief that the race would grow to become our first group 1 race. To have achieved that after only seven years is fantastic.
"Bahrain's vision for horseracing is rooted in international collaboration, long-term development, and a clear ambition to continue elevating the country's status within the global racing landscape.
"I would like to thank all those who have supported the race in the past and we're looking forward to welcoming more visitors and more world-class horses for the 2026 Bahrain International Trophy."
