LONDON: Royal Ascot-winning trainer Ed Bethell is set to chase his first international Group 1 victory as his star sprinter Regional lines up for the Al Quoz Sprint on Dubai World Cup night next weekend.
Within just four years of earning his trainer’s license, Bethell has already made a name for himself on the British racing scene, securing a Group 1 victory in the Haydock Sprint Cup with Regional and a Royal Ascot win in the Britannia Stakes with Mickley.
He was also on the verge of another major triumph when Point Lynas crossed the line first at the York Ebor Festival, only to lose the race following a stewards’ inquiry.
Now, Bethell is looking to extend his success beyond British shores, with Regional primed for the prestigious six-furlong sprint at Meydan Racecourse next Saturday.
Regional has been a revelation under Bethell’s training since being bought as a horse-in-training for just 3,500 guineas ($4,750) at Tattersalls.
Since then, he has finished in the prize money in 16 of his 17 starts for Bethell and his owners, amassing over £575,000 ($744,000) in earnings. His resume includes a Group 1 win at Haydock and a runner-up finish in the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2024.
Speaking to Great British Racing International, Bethell expressed his admiration for the sprinter and his confidence heading into Dubai.
“Regional is incredibly special. Any horse to win you a Group 1 is special, but I guess it’s a rags-to-riches story, and I probably will never find another like him. He had a big break, and his work has been really good coming into this race. He has been absolutely great,” Bethell said.
The 31-year-old trainer is no stranger to the Al Quoz Sprint, having previously had Moss Gill contest the race in 2021, though COVID-19 restrictions prevented him from attending.
This time, he hopes to be trackside for what could be a career-defining moment, adding: “Hopefully, it will be a great experience.”
Bethell, who trains from his base in Yorkshire, has enjoyed a rapid rise through the British training ranks.
His 20 percent strike rate on turf in 2024 has caught the attention of leading owners across the globe, with backing from the the US, Asia, and the Middle East.
With Regional set to take on some of the world’s fastest turf sprinters in Dubai, a strong performance on World Cup night could further cement Bethell’s status as one of Britain’s rising training stars.
Reflecting on his progress since taking out his license, Bethell said: “We have improved year-on-year. Our facilities and our team are bigger and better than ever. It’s exciting, but we want to continue to improve and get better.”
