Beylerbeyi Claims Inaugural Gulf of Bahrain Cup in Dramatic Finish

Beylerbeyi produced a powerful late surge to win the inaugural Gulf of Bahrain Cup on Friday, 13 November, securing the new US$400,000 contest at the Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club.

Ridden by Edward Greatrex and trained by Ian Williams, the six-year-old caught Dubai Future in the closing stages of the 2,800-metre race, turning an apparently difficult position into victory.
Dubai Future, partnered by Oisin Murphy, had looked poised to claim the prize after moving clear. But Beylerbeyi found another gear along the stands’ side rail, closing strongly to take the lead before the finish.

The official results recorded a winning time of 2:59.697, with Beylerbeyi finishing one and three-quarter lengths ahead of Dubai Future. Tarriance, ridden by Billy Loughnane and trained by Daniel and Claire Kubler, completed the top three. Fourteen horses contested the race.

The victory earned connections US$240,000 from the total prize fund. Dubai Future collected US$80,000 for second, while Tarriance’s third-place finish was worth US$40,000.

For Williams and Greatrex, the result rewarded a horse whose stamina proved decisive when it mattered most. Williams praised both the performance and the ride, while Greatrex highlighted Beylerbeyi’s response in the home straight.

Run on the same day as the Bahrain International Trophy, the Gulf of Bahrain Cup introduces a new international staying contest to the Kingdom’s racing programme. Its first edition delivered a memorable finish, with Beylerbeyi becoming the first name on the race’s roll of honour.

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