2026 Bahrain International Trophy betting odds, runners & preview

William Dobbie Published: 12 Nov 26 18:25

13 go to post for the very first running of the Bahrain International Trophy as a Group 1.

Since its first staging in 2019, the 1m2f contest has grown exponentially in stature and now attracts the brightest and best talent -- human and equine -- from all over the globe.

As well as two domestic runners, there are representatives from the UK, Ireland and France, including from Aidan O'Brien, his son Joseph and Godolphin's number one trainer Charlie Appleby.

Bahrain International Trophy

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Ballydoyle supremo Aidan O'Brien is yet to win this race, despite numerous attempts, and throws dual Derby-winning colt Lambourn into the mix this year. He might not be at the level he reached at three, but it is worth remembering that he finished fourth in the King George only four months ago. Ryan Moore gets back onboard for the first time since he finished fifth in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud and, at his best, he does have a chance.

Last year's winner Royal Champion is back for more, this time with a far lighter prep than 12 months ago. The eight-year-old has made just three starts this year and was last seen in behind subsequent Juddmonte International winner Item in the York Stakes. Although he is not getting any younger, he still remains a consistent performer for the Karl Burke stable.

Glacius is at the opposite end of the specturm, still only three years old and steadily improving. Victory in the Saratoga Derby means that he already has a Group 1 to his name and proves that travelling will be no issue at all. Recently-appointed Godolphin retained rider and champion jockey Billy Loughnane takes the ride for the first time since finishing a good third to Sallaal in the Gala Stakes.

You can make a case for many here, but none more cogent than the one that can be put forward for Wimbledon Hawkeye. Since switching to George Scott, he's looked better than ever, finishing runner-up in the Irish Champion Stakes in the middle of a brace Group successes in France. His half-a-length win in the Prix Dollar last time out is arguably the best he has managed so far and he shouldn't have to step up too much on that to get back in the winner's enclosure here.

As well as the winner, last season's second and third are also back for more. Galen got the closest to Royal Champion and got his head back in front when beating Boiling Point and Jonquil at Goodwood in July. Six-year-old Military Order has only been seen once since his fine effort in this race last year, but his nine-and-a-half-length demolition of the Diamond Stakes field at Dundalk in September would suggest that he is in fine form.