FIRST run in 2019, the Bahrain International Trophy has grown in stature with every passing year and reached a high last night (Friday) when it was staged as an international Group 1 for the first time, boosted by a lucrative $1.5 million purse. A dozen runners went to post from Ireland, Britain, France, the UAE and Bahrain.

It was Groundhog Day after last year’s winner of the race, then a Group 2, Royal Champion was again first home, denying French raiders Zaydanna and Baroud, with Lambourn a creditable fourth. It was a clearly emotional win for trainer Karl Burke.