ROYAL ASCOT WINNING TRAINER ED BETHELL LINES UP GROUP 1 LAUREATE REGIONAL ON DUBAI WORLD CUP NIGHT

Within four years of training Ed Bethell has already had a Group 1 win via REGIONAL (GB) in the Haydock Sprint Cup and a Royal Ascot success via MICKLEY in the Britannia Stakes. POINT LYNAS also crossed the line first at the York Ebor Festival for the trainer but the verdict was changed after a stewards’ enquiry.

Bethell, who trains from his picturesque yard in Yorkshire, is looking to earn a breakthrough international victory with Regional who will compete in the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint on Dubai World Cup night.

Regional was bought as a horse-in-training at Tattersalls and he flourished under Bethell’s regime. The 3,500gns (£3,675) purchase won prize money on 16 of his 17 starts for the Yorkshire trainer and has earned over £575,000 for Bethell and his owners, highlighted by his Group 1 victory and a runner-up spot in the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2024.

Bethell spoke to Great British Racing International about Regional and his condition ahead of the race:

“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.

“I ran Moss gill in the Al Quoz Sprint in 2021 but that was the time of covid so I didn’t see it! Hopefully it will be a great experience!”

The trainer who only just turned 31 quickly made a name for himself on the British racing scene, showcased by a strike rate of 20% on the turf in 2024 and support from owners based in the USA, Asia and the Middle East.

Of his success and growth since taking up the trainer’s 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!”