Husband and wife training team accept 'remarkable' offer to work for Bahrain royal family

The husband and wife training team of Daniel and Claire Kubler have accepted an offer to train in Bahrain for members of the country’s royal family. The couple have operated in Lambourn together for five seasons, sending out a best ever 42 winners in 2024, and this year has trained 25 winners of more than £400,000 in prize-money.

They have now announced they are to take up a new opportunity in Bahrain to train for His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, best known as the owner of star racehorse Economics, and other members of the royal family.

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They will help develop a new training facility in the Middle Eastern country where the royal family has been the driving force behind an expanding programme of international racing.

The Kublers said in a statement: “After five successful seasons training under a joint license from our stables at Sarsen Farm in Lambourn, we have 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.”

The trainers have previous experience of racing in Bahrain having run 2023 Cambridgeshire winner Astro King, their biggest winner to date, in the Bahrain International Trophy in late 2023.

“The ambition and intent of the Bahrain Turf Club were clear then, and the pace of development since has been striking,” they said.

“We expect to begin training in Bahrain from October 2025, coinciding with the start of the 2025/26 season.

“In the meantime, our UK operation 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 goes on: “This decision was by no means easy. Kübler 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 Kübler 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.

“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 toplay a role in that journey.

“We remain deeply grateful to everyone who has supported us in the UK and look forward to building on those achievements as we embark on this exciting new adventure.”