The world of horse racing is abuzz with the news of a private purchase that could shape the future of a Group 2 winner. Wimbledon Hawkeye, a four-year-old son of Kameko, has been acquired by the ambitious Bahraini operation Victorious Forever, marking a significant move in the sport.
What makes this deal particularly intriguing is the team behind Victorious Forever. Led by brothers and members of the Bahraini royal family, Shaikh Khalid bin Hamed Al Khalifa and Shaikh Nasser bin Hamed Al Khalifa, the operation is making waves in the racing world. Their racing manager, Billy Jackson-Stops, expressed delight at the acquisition, highlighting Wimbledon Hawkeye's potential to compete in the Bahrain International Trophy, a Group 1 race upgraded to this status for the first time in 2026.
Wimbledon Hawkeye's journey to this point has been impressive. Under the care of trainer George Scott, the horse has consistently performed well, winning the Group 2 Royal Lodge Stakes at two and securing a lucrative US victory in the Grade 3 Nashville Derby last August. This season, he has continued to impress, running respectably behind Ombudsman in the Group 3 Brigadier Gerard Stakes and making a bold bid for the Listed Wolferton Stakes at Royal Ascot, earning a career-best Racing Post Rating of 117.
The new owners envision a bright future for Wimbledon Hawkeye, targeting the Bahrain International Trophy in November. This race, now a Group 1, promises to be highly competitive, and Victorious Forever is determined to bring home the trophy. Jackson-Stops emphasized the importance of acquiring a top-tier horse for this prestigious event, acknowledging Wimbledon Hawkeye's fast-ground capabilities, mile-and-a-quarter preference, and bend-friendly nature.
George Scott's expertise in horse travel and his successful track record in Bahrain further solidify the team's confidence in their new acquisition. With his Eve Lodge Stables located conveniently near James Owen's base on Hamilton Road in Newmarket, Scott's transition to training Wimbledon Hawkeye is seamless. This move not only showcases the team's ambition but also highlights the potential for international success in the sport.
As the racing world eagerly anticipates Wimbledon Hawkeye's performance in the Bahrain International Trophy, the private purchase by Victorious Forever serves as a testament to the sport's global appeal and the potential for significant achievements beyond traditional racing circuits.
