Silent Film breaks new ground in Bahrain

Silent Film became the first Godolphin horse to win in Bahrain when getting up on the line in the Al Sakhir Cup at Sakhir racecourse on Friday, 18 February.

The progressive son of New Approach, victorious in the UK and Dubai on his two previous starts for Charlie Appleby, was short of room in the early stages of the seven-furlong handicap before being covered up in mid-division by James Doyle.

Silent Film stayed on strongly down the centre of the course in the straight, collaring long-time leader Shebil Aljazira in the final stride for a head success.

Charlie Appleby said: “We are delighted to have a first Godolphin winner in Bahrain. It’s great to be able to support the carnival out there and we look forward to having more runners in the country in the future.”

James Doyle added: “Charlie earmarked this race for Silent Film some time ago and he had a nice prep run at Meydan. It was a very good shout to come for this race, so full credit to Charlie.

“I have been coming to Bahrain for a number of years and the standard of racing and facilities really improve year on year. It is definitely going to be a force to be reckoned with going forward.”