British trainer George Scott thriving in Middle East as Phantom Flight targets Bahraini Triple Crown

LONDON: British trainer George Scott is making waves in the Middle East with a string of impressive victories across Bahrain and Dubai, and soon, he hopes, in Saudi Arabia.

The Newmarket-based handler has enjoyed remarkable success, most notably guiding Isle of Jura to a historic Bahraini Triple Crown in 2024 for Sheikh Nasser Al-Khalifa’s Victorious Racing.

Scott’s winning form has continued into the 2025 season, with Phantom Flight securing victory in The Crown Prince Cup, the first leg of the Bahraini Triple Crown. The gelding is now poised to follow in Isle of Jura’s footsteps.

“Phantom Flight has gone from strength to strength physically and mentally in Bahrain. He’s thrived there and has taken a big step forward on his last start. I am very much looking forward to HH Sheikh Nasser’s Cup in a few weeks’ time and then The King’s Cup. Hopefully he can follow Isle of Jura,” Scott said in comments to Great British Racing International.

Reflecting on his successful campaign in Bahrain, Scott praised the teamwork behind his achievements.

“I’ve loved my season in Bahrain. It’s been an incredible success so far; all credit goes to my staff out there and my owners Sheikh Nasser and the City House boys. Those horses have been selected for that purpose and it has gone well so far.”

Scott’s winning touch has also extended to Dubai, where West Acre stormed to victory in the Group 2 Blue Point Sprint. The three-year-old sprinter is now being primed for Super Saturday, with hopes of securing a place on the prestigious Dubai World Cup card.

“West Acre has always been a horse that we held in very high regard at home. It’s been well documented that he picked up an injury in the spring last year which meant he could not have a