Meshaal bin Ali al-Attiyah’s Estoori retained the Bu Samrah Cup for the second consecutive year with a strong forward-running display at the Al Rayyan Racecourse today.
Mohammed Balasim al-Jumaili-trained six-year-old bay horse raced prominently throughout before launching his move in the home straight, striking the front and drawing clear under Fayos Martin Borja for an impressive two-length victory in the Local Thoroughbred Handicap (45–65) race for the three-year-old+ over 1700m. With the win Martin Borja completed a double on the day.
Estoori raced prominently throughout, adopting a forward-running style that kept him in the perfect stalking position. He tracked the early pace set by Nadiraha, with Barkt Al Majd positioned between them as the field made its way through the opening stages. Approaching the home turn, Estoori improved smoothly into second before launching his challenge upon straightening. He swept to the front early in the home straight, but was met with an immediate threat from Suheal Qatar, who produced a strong run from midfield to draw alongside and briefly test the defending champion. Inside the final 100m, Estoori displayed his class and determination. Responding decisively to Borja’s urging, he kicked clear from his challenger and put the race to bed with authority, securing a comfortable two-length victory. Suheal Qatar, representing Ateeq Hamad Ateeq al-Marri for trainer Abdulaziz Hamad al-Marri under Saleh Salem al-Marri, finished a clear second after his bold effort. A long way back, Al Gamamah, racing for and trained by Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim al-Malki with Ivan Rossi aboard, finished best of the rest to take third, though still a huge 12 lengths behind the runner-up.
Earlier in the day, Martin Borja rode Sharq Stud’s Future Man to victory in the Thoroughbred Handicap (50-70) for three-year-old+ race.