By Ahmed Alsayed
The echoes of victory reverberated through Ascot Racecourse and across Bahrain yesterday as the kingdom celebrated a momentous win and historic moment on the first day of the Royal Ascot horse races in the UK. Pledge of Allegiance won the Ascot Stakes after a magnificent performance. Jockey Luke Morris rode the Sir Mark Prescott-trained horse to victory for Bahrain's Victorious Racing, owned by His Highness Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, President of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, solidifying its place among the elite in global equestrian sports.
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, The Crown Prince and Prime Minister, attended the prestigious event, further elevating the significance of Bahrain's achievement. HRH Prince Salman's encouragement has been pivotal in motivating the Bahraini team, inspiring them to strive for excellence and achieve the highest results. The presence of HRH Prince Salman not only signifies his personal interest in promoting Bahrain’s talent and sports, but also highlights the deep-rooted friendship and cooperation between Bahrain and the UK. The strong bilateral relations between the two Kingdoms extend beyond politics and economics to include cultural exchanges and sporting collaborations, with Royal Ascot serving as a poignant example of shared sporting passion.
His Highness Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa's unwavering support and passion for equestrian sports have been integral to Bahrain's rise in the global equestrian community. As a world class avid equestrian enthusiast himself, HH Sheikh Nasser has played a pivotal role in promoting and developing such talent, nurturing a culture of excellence and achievement.
Bahrain has invested significantly in developing local talent and infrastructure within its own equestrian community. Training programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and international partnerships have contributed to the rise of Bahrain’s team on the global stage. Yesterday’s victory at Ascot is a testament to the success of these efforts, showcasing Bahraini excellence in horsemanship.
Bahrain's future in equestrian sports appears promising, with opportunities for further collaboration, innovation, and growth on a global scale. Bahrain's triumph at Royal Ascot symbolizes more than just a victory; it represents a culmination of Bahrain's rich history with Ascot, its leadership in global equestrian sports, and its commitment to excellence.
As Bahrain continues to forge ahead in the world of horse racing, it stands poised to carry on the path of success and international accomplishments under the wise leadership and vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and His Royal Highness The Crown Prince and Prime Minster Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
Congratulations Team Bahrain. Namoos!