'I thought we were beat' - Karl Burke and Royal Champion keep Yorkshire on top to land lucrative prize in Bahrain

Royal Champion extended the remarkable run of trainers from Yorkshire in the Group 2 Bahrain International Trophy when running down the valiant Irish runner Galen in a thrilling finish to the flagship $1 million (£760,000) contest under lights.

The market leader and highest-rated horse in the field came with a withering late run under James Doyle in the 1m2f contest to give trainer Karl Burke another success in a memorable year.

Doyle, who was among the winners in Qatar the previous day, flew in only hours before the race and made his match practice count to score by three-quarters of a length, with Godolphin runner Military Order staying on into third.

It was the fourth win in the race in five years for Yorkshire-based trainers, after two successes for Richard Fahey and another for David O'Meara.

Although the race was low on numbers, with only eight going to post, it was high on excitement, not least among officials of the Bahrain Turf Club. who were delighted to see the top-rated Royal Champion prevail in their quest to have the race upgraded to Group 1.

Burke said of the Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum-owned winner: "I was very hopeful he'd run a big race, but when you're travelling horses it only takes a little thing to go wrong to knock a percentage off. He runs very well fresh and we've minded him this week. I didn't want to bring him down to the track yesterday and do any more as we knew he was fit."

Karl and Elaine Burke with Royal Champion (James Doyle) after winning the Bahrain International TrophyCredit: Edward Whitaker

As Galen built up a useful lead in the race, Burke was not counting his chickens. He said: "I thought two furlongs out we were beat as Joseph's [O'Brien] horse got an easy lead and was travelling strongly two and a half furlongs out. 

"But he's a very game horse and I'm delighted to have a winner from my first runner in Bahrain. They didn't go strong and it helped him get into a rhythm, but he stays very well and he could be worth going over a mile and a half next year."

On the experience, he said: "The whole trip has been fantastic from start to finish. They look after you so well and the horses and us humans have wanted for nothing. We'll be back."

Doyle was going one better than when finishing second on Barney Roy in the race in 2021 and said: "I'm very pleased to win the Bahrain International Trophy but I have to give a special mention to Clifford Lee, his usual jockey, who got injured and couldn't be here tonight. 

"Royal Champion is a pretty professional horse and relaxed very well. The leader had an easy lead and we had to get after him, but Royal Champion is a very generous horse and a furlong and a half out I knew I was going to get there."

Dylan Browne McMonagle rode a winner on the undercard and must have thought he had another when Galen took control, but he was running on empty at the furlong pole. 

O'Brien said: "He ran a career best. Dylan gave him a lovely ride and he just got run down by a very high-class performer on his day. I'm delighted for the owners and I'm proud of his effort. We'll be back for sure."

Read more:

Top of the world: Calandagan soars to the head of global rankings as preparations gear up for Japan Cup mission 

Ascot makes history by becoming the Showcase Awards champion for a third time 

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