London, July 8 (BNA): The Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club (REHC) renewed its cooperation agreement with the British Racing School during an official visit by Yusuf Osama Buheji, the Club’s Chief Executive Officer, to the United Kingdom.

Buheji signed the agreement with Andrew Braithwaite, CEO of the British Racing School, to enhance joint training efforts between the Bahrain Jockey Academy and the School. The agreement aims to support the Academy’s annual programs through technical, advisory, and instructional expertise.

The visit also included meetings with the current group of Bahraini jockeys training at the British Racing School.

Buheji reviewed their progress and urged them to make the most of the opportunity to sharpen their skills, in line with the Club’s strategy to build a competitive generation of local jockeys capable of participating in international events.

He emphasised the importance of such programmes, implemented in collaboration with one of the world’s leading equestrian training centres, as part of the support provided by the Club’s High Committee, chaired by His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Minister of the Prime Minister’s Court.

Buheji noted that the 2025 edition of the programme has been expanded to include a new group of jockeys, as well as Bahraini technical and administrative staff, following the success of the 2024 programme. This success, he said, was evident in the improved performance of emerging jockeys in local races.

Mohammed Ahmed Al Nema, Acting Director of the Jockey Foundation, said the programme is part of the Foundation’s broader vision to refine local talent and provide international exposure. He explained that a select group of elite jockeys was chosen based on their performance in the local training program held from October 15, 2024, to February 28, 2025, at the Bahrain Jockey Academy.

Al Nema added that the current phase of the program includes rigorous theoretical and practical training under elite international jockeys and coaches, as well as participation in local races, aimed at enhancing competitive readiness for regional and international events.

ZH