Spirit Dancer will seek to defend his title in the Bahrain International Trophy on Friday, aiming to repeat last year's dramatic victory in the $1 million Group Two event. Bred by former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who also co-owns the gelding, the son of Frankel delivered an unforgettable win for connections in 2023 before taking another major prize in Saudi Arabia earlier this year.
Trained by Richard Fahey, Spirit Dancer has followed a similar preparation, tuning up with a recent run at Newmarket. Fahey is eager to see his charge tackle a tougher field this year, with Ferguson flying in to watch his horse in action.
“He’s in top form and always benefits from a warm-up race,” Fahey said. “It’s a stronger contest this time, but he won well last year, so we’ll see.”
Drawing stall 11 again, the same spot as last year, Spirit Dancer will face formidable competitors, including Aidan O’Brien’s Point Lonsdale and Owen Burrows’ Alflaila, who missed last year's race due to a setback.
The race has strong British representation, with Charlie Appleby’s Nations Pride, who finished seventh in the previous edition but has since claimed the Arlington Million, and John and Thady Gosden’s Lead Artist. The only three-year-old in the field, Lead Artist defeated Spirit Dancer by over 13 lengths in the Darley Stakes at Newmarket last month.
Barry Mahon, racing manager for owners Juddmonte, said, “It’s a step-up, but he’s had a great season and this experience will be valuable as we look to next year.”
With high-profile connections and an international lineup, the Bahrain International Trophy promises an exciting test for Spirit Dancer’s return to the Middle East.