Royal Champion enters Friday’s Group One Bahrain International Trophy with a singular mission: to secure back-to-back victories in one of the Middle East’s most prestigious flat races. The Karl Burke-trained eight-year-old, who claimed the title last year, returns to the scene of his triumph alongside 12 other competitors in a fiercely contested renewal. His resume remains formidable, boasting two Group Two wins and a recent top-level success in the Neom Turf Cup in Saudi Arabia, establishing him as the primary candidate to extend his dominance on the international stage.
Karl Burke’s star faces stiff opposition from Wimbledon Hawkeye in Group One feature
However, the path to a second consecutive crown is far from clear, as the field features significant threats capable of upending the favorite. Wimbledon Hawkeye stands out as a primary challenger, having demonstrated consistent improvement under new trainer George Scott. The horse’s victory in the Group Two Prix Dollar on Arc weekend, where he outpaced several of today’s rivals, signals peak form. With Christophe Soumillon in the saddle, Hawkeye is poised to test Royal Champion’s stamina and speed in a race that demands absolute perfection from the defending champion.
The contest is further complicated by the debut of Sallaal, who makes his first start for Ed Crisford with Oisín Murphy riding. A progressive type with recent winning form, Sallaal adds another layer of unpredictability to the 13-runner lineup. As the Bahrain International Trophy unfolds, the focus remains on whether Royal Champion can maintain his elite standard against a deep and talented field. Racing fans can follow this high-stakes showdown, along with jumps action from Sedgefield and Southwell, live on Sky Sports Racing from 12.20pm.
Source: Sky Sports
