Küblers to take up ‘remarkable opportunity’ in Bahrain and scale back operation in Britain

Dan and Claire Kubler have announced plans to embark on a new challenge in Bahrain and train for Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa and other members of the royal family.

The husband-and-wife partnership, who have been training under a joint-licence at Sarsen Farm in Lambourn for five seasons, have been offered a “remarkable opportunity” to train in the Middle East, a move which will see their operation in Britain scaled back.

Dan Kubler told the Racing Post: “We were approached by a representative of His Highness in the summer. It was a bit surreal at first, but we had a couple of meetings and spent time over there, and it seems like a really exciting opportunity. It’s one of those where if you don’t give it a try then you’ll always wonder what if, so we had to explore it.

“The direction of travel is all positive and there’s just a really vibrant and excited team of people there who are trying to build something quite special. They’re going about it in such a thoughtful, innovative and adventurous manner.”

The Kublers, who saddled their first runner in Bahrain in 2023 with Cambridgeshire winner Astro King, are expecting to begin training from their new base in October, which will coincide with the start of 2025-26 season in Bahrain.

A statement, which was released on Wednesday afternoon on behalf of the joint-trainers, said: “We’ve been given a remarkable opportunity to train for His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa and other members of the royal family in Bahrain, and assist in developing a new training facility.

“It provides the chance to work with an exciting and expanding group of horses, together with an ambitious team of people, contributing to the growth of a racing jurisdiction that is rapidly establishing itself on the global stage.”

It wasn’t an easy decision for the joint-trainers, who last year registered a career-best tally of 42 winners, with the move set to impact their plans in Britain.

“Our operation in Britain will scale back with the horses currently in training continuing to be campaigned with the same usual care and attention, ensuring every owner and horse is fully supported during this transition,” the statement continued.

“Racing in Bahrain is developing at pace. With increased investment, an expanding fixture list and a clear commitment to the future, it is fast becoming a focal point for racing in the region, with ambitions to join the leading centres of world racing. We are excited to play a role in that journey.

“This decision was by no means easy. Kubler Racing has grown successfully, supported by wonderful owners, dedicated staff, and the local community. We owe thanks to so many owners. Particular thanks to Gary and Lesley Middlebrook, whose commitment and belief in our approach has provided the platform on which Kubler Racing has been built. Their support has been instrumental in developing Sarsen Farm and enabling the yard to reach a level of success that makes this next step possible.”

Shaikh Isa has never owned a horse with the Kublers, but has enjoyed plenty of success in Britain with the likes of William Haggas, who trained Economics to win the Dante and Irish Champion Stakes last year.