Darlington racing trainer tells of Bahrain missile attack

Chloe Dods, assistant trainer to her father, Michael Dods, is in Bahrain with two of the County Durham stable’s most successful horses, Commanche Falls and Northern Express.

Chloe, who is staying in an apartment in Seef, told how she heard sirens just before midday today as Iran retaliated following strikes by the US and Israel.

According to the BBC, Iran claims to have struck a US naval base at Manama, which is about 15 miles from Seef.

“I heard the sirens and felt the windows rattle in my apartment when the missiles struck – then I saw black smoke rising,” said Chloe.

“It was frightening at the time, and it all feels a bit weird at the moment because it’s so unpredictable. No one knows what’s going to happen next. We’ve been told to stay close to our accommodation and avoid unnecessary travel.”

Chloe Dods, who is temporarily based in Bahrain (Image: Michael Dods Racing)

The two horses, normally stabled at Denton, near Darlington, flew to Bahrain in December and have so far raced three times. Chloe has overseen their training at the Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club, which is a 20-minute drive from Seef.

Commanche Falls is due to run again next Thursday and Northern Express is scheduled to run on Friday, however it is uncertain whether racing will now go ahead, with jockeys’ travel arrangements being affected.

Commanche Falls’ owners were due to fly out on Monday, but flights have been cancelled.

The horses are due to fly back the following Monday but that will depend on flights resuming.

“Before this happened, it had been a great experience – I’ve loved it – but it’ll be nice to get back home now,” added Chloe.

Michael said: “It’s obviously a worry. We’re getting updates from the International Racing Bureau and speaking regularly with Chloe but all we can do at the moment is monitor the situation closely. Everything’s up in the air.”