Aidan O'Brien chases the all-time Group 1 wins record with Lambourn in the Bahrain International Trophy

The dual Derby winner headlines a competitive lineup this Friday in Bahrain, where the trainer will pursue his 29th top-level victory of the season

MANAMA, Bahrain (Special for Turf Diario).— The Bahrain International Trophy takes a historic step this Friday,November 13, staging its inaugural edition as a Group 1 contest with a field of remarkable international caliber. Among the headline contenders, the presence of Lambourn (Australia) stands out in particular, as the 2025 dual Derby winner looks to reignite his own campaign while helping Aidan O'Brien extend his extraordinary tally of top-level triumphs.

With Ryan Moore confirmed for the mount, the Coolmore standard-bearer will give the Irish master trainer a shot at his 29th Group 1 victory of 2026, a milestone that would establish a new all-time record. The task will be anything but easy, however, against formidable rivals such as Wimbledon Hawkeye (Kameko), defending champion Royal Champion (Shamardal), and a high-class French trio.

Lambourn was among the final horses to exercise Wednesday over the track at the Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club, partnered by Brett Doyle. Unseasonable weather conditions partially disrupted the morning schedule, yet onlookers turned out in force to catch a glimpse of the accomplished colt.

Coolmore representative Christy Grassick underscored the significance of the entry: "We felt the race has reached such a high standard that you need to bring a horse of this caliber to win it. We have picked up a few placings here in the past and are very keen to finally capture it."

He added: "Aidan is deeply committed to supporting this meeting. Bahrain gives tremendous backing to racing in Ireland and England, and it is fantastic that the race has finally earned Group 1 status. Now it is a true G1."

Although British and Irish bookmakers have been lukewarm on Lambourn's chances, his connections remain confident he can recapture his peak form. Throughout much of the season, the colt has served in a supporting role alongside younger members of the powerhouse Ballydoyle string, including Benvenuto Cellini (Frankel) and Constitution River (Wootton Bassett).

"He has done plenty of work helping out some of our 3-year-olds, and we hope he gets his own chance to shine now. It would be wonderful for Aidan to reach 29 wins right here, in the race's very first year as a G1," Grassick noted.

Chief among the opposition is Glacius (Too Darn Hot), winner of the Saratoga Derby Invitational Stakes (G1) in August, who arrives specifically targeted for this assignment. His trainer, Hugo Palmer, will also saddle Seagulls Eleven (Galileo Gold), third in the Prix Dollar (G2) during Arc de Triomphe (G1) weekend at Longchamp.

Palmer praised the sustained growth of racing in Bahrain and the substantial investments made to upgrade its infrastructure. "It is wonderful to see how this place is developing. Every year brings new additions, and the training facilities have improved enormously. The recognition this race is receiving is thoroughly deserved," he said.

The card will also feature the newly introduced Gulf of Bahrain Cup, a staying handicap worth US$ 400,000 in purse money that has attracted six Irish-trained runners. Its addition forms part of a broader strategy to boost international participation and further establish the Bahrain Turf Series.

Contested over approximately 2000 meters, the Bahrain International Trophy promises top-flight sport. For Lambourn, it represents a chance at redemption; for O'Brien, the opportunity to claim another historic benchmark; and for Bahrain, the ideal stage to prove that its rise on the global racing calendar is firmly here to stay.