Lambourn pleasing connections ahead of Bahrain International Trophy tilt

Dual Derby winner Lambourn received the seal of approval from connections at a rain-lashed Bahrain after working on the grass track ahead of Friday’s International Trophy.

The $1.5 million contest holds international Group One status for the first time and has attracted a field of 13 runners.

Epsom and Irish Derby hero Lambourn enjoyed himself under the watchful eye of Christy Grassick and Mick Flanagan on Wednesday morning ahead of his bid to provide trainer Aidan O’Brien with a record 29th top-level win of the year.

“It’s fascinating to see improvements every single year in Bahrain where we are treated so well,” Flanagan said.

“We’ve brought a very good horse who has enjoyed a nice little refreshing break since his run at Leopardstown (last of eight in Irish Champion Stakes).

“Seeing Pat (Keating’s) smiling face after his work tells us it’s all systems go and I hope we can break this record.

“The long sweeping track will suit him as he stays all day and also has a turn of foot. He should go well.”

Grassick was equally encouraged, adding: “The rain has saved them watering the track and it’s good news for our fella, who loves it.”

Horses from England, Ireland, France and Bahrain will lock horns, with French master trainer Andre Fabre expected to be on hand to saddle a potent duo of Baroud, who races in the colours of former Derby winner Authorized, and the Wertheimer brothers-owned Phineas.

Baroud has enjoyed a selective campaign and races after a three-month break following his Group Two triumph in the Prix Guillaume d’Ornano at Deauville.

Phineas put together an impressive four-race winning sequence in the summer before underwhelming as a hot favourite for the Group Two Prix Dollar at ParisLongchamp.

Friday’s highlight is supported up by the inaugural $400,000 Gulf Of Bahrain Cup, which has attracted a strong Irish contingent. Ireland’s three leading National Hunt trainers Willie Mullins, Gordon Elliott and Henry de Bromhead are all represented.

The race has attracted the Mullins duo of Gaucher and The Reverend, Elliott’s Samui and De Bromhead’s Royal Ascot winner Ascending.

Successful in the 2025 Ascot Stakes, the seven-year-old Ascending looks to be returning to his best after troubling the judge in the Ebor and finishing third in the Group Two Doncaster Cup at Town Moor, won by Caballo De Mar.

De Bromhead said: “He’s travelled over fine, worked nicely this morning and must have a good chance, considering how unlucky he was at York.”

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