Previously based at Chelmsford City Racecourse, England, Waitt has a been a qualified Clerk of the Course for nearly 20 years and takes on the role from predecessor, Neil Mackenzie Ross.

Yusuf Buheji, CEO of the Bahrain Turf Club said:

“We are delighted to welcome Andy to the team at the Rashid Equestrian & Horseracing Club. The Club considers the provision of a first-class racing surface to be fundamental to the growth of horseracing in Bahrain, not only from the perspective of attracting international horses but also in terms of raising the standards of our domestic horse population.

“We have made a significant investment in the facilities, developing two separate turf tracks, as well as our extensive training resources, to ensure we provide the best quality surface for all horses and riders.

“Andy has a lot of experience from his time working in England and shares our ambition for the future. Our thanks to Neil Mackenzie Ross for his significant contribution during his nine years working for the Club.”

Andy Waitt, Clerk of the Course for the Bahrain Turf Club, said:

“I was attracted to the role by the opportunity to work for a progressive racing jurisdiction with long-term plans. I am very much looking forward to the Bahrain International Trophy in November and then the Bahrain Turf Series, which runs from December through to February.

“Thanks to the investment in prize money the Bahrain Turf Club’s race programme is more valuable than ever and as a result is attracting higher-quality international horses and going from strength to strength. I am also thoroughly enjoying getting to know the friendly and accommodating people of Bahrain.”

Following its upgrade to Group 2 status, the entries for the 2023 running of the $1M Bahrain International Trophy (Gr 2) are the strongest yet in the race’s five-year history. The international challenge features horses from eight different countries, including entries from France, Germany, Ireland and the United Kingdom.

Waitt started his racing career at Sandown Park, before moving on to Lingfield Park in the role of Head Groundsman and Estates Manager, qualifying as a Clerk of the Course in 2005. He was Clerk of the Course at Great Leighs from 2008-09, returning to the track to oversee its re-opening as Chelmsford City in 2015.