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Andy Waitt has been named as the new clerk of the course for the Bahrain Turf Club. He replaces Neil Mackenzie Ross.

Yusuf Buheji, CEO of the Bahrain Turf Club said, “We are delighted to welcome Andy to the team at the Rashid Equestrian & Horseracing Club. The Club considers the provision of a first-class racing surface to be fundamental to the growth of horseracing in Bahrain, not only from the perspective of attracting international horses but also in terms of raising the standards of our domestic horse population.

“We have made a significant investment in the facilities, developing two separate turf tracks, as well as our extensive training resources, to ensure we provide the best quality surface for all horses and riders.

“Andy has a lot of experience from his time working in England and shares our ambition for the future. Our thanks to Neil Mackenzie Ross for his significant contribution during his nine years working for the Club.”

Previously based at Chelmsford City Racecourse, Waitt began his career in racing at Sandown Park. Later based at Lingfield Park as head groundsman and estates manager, he qualified for clerk of the course in 2005, and held that role at Great Leighs from 2008-2009. He returned to that track to oversee its re-opening as Chelmsford City in 2015.

Waitt said, “I was attracted to the role by the opportunity to work for a progressive racing jurisdiction with long-term plans. I am very much looking forward to the Bahrain International Trophy in November and then the Bahrain Turf Series, which runs from December through to February. I am also thoroughly enjoying getting to know the friendly and accommodating people of Bahrain.”

The BTC hosts the $1-million G2 Bahrain International Trophy every November, as well as The Listed Crown Prince's Cup and Listed The King's Cup in February and March, respectively.

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This year's edition of the G2 Bahrain International Trophy will feature an increased purse of $1 million, the Bahrain Turf Club announced on Thursday.

The highest profile race in the kingdom, the race was promoted to Group 2 level by the Asian Pattern Committee recently. It was won in 2022 by Dubai Future (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) for trainer Saeed bin Suroor and Godolphin.

His Highness Shaikh Isa Bin Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Rashid Equestrian & Horseracing Club, said, “The Bahrain International Trophy is our showpiece event and its promotion to Group 2 status represents another significant step in growing the Kingdom's standing on the international racing stage.

“We are looking forward to staging the best horseracing event to date and welcoming runners from all over the world to Bahrain.”

The addition of the purse boost for the Bahrain International Trophy is part of the all-round investment programme in the country with will boast record purses for the 2023-24 season. All three Bahraini listed races, the Crown Prince's Cup, the King's Cup and the Al Methaq Mile, have all received purse hikes, as has the 10-race Bahrain Turf Series with each race worth $80,000 (£65,000).

Yusuf Buheji, CEO of the Bahrain Turf Club added, “We are delighted to announce the staging of the first $1-million race in Bahrain, along with increases in the value of all our Pattern races, the Bahrain Turf Series and our wider domestic programme.

“In addition to increases in prize money, we continue to invest in our racing and training facilities, as well as our integrity standards. Through these initiatives, as well as our partnerships and sponsorship portfolio, the aim is to further raise the standard of racing in Bahrain and welcome more international visitors.”

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