Al Bastaki's Thrilling Comeback Secures Gamilati Cup Victory At Dubai Endurance Festival

A nail-biting finale marked Day Three of the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival at Dubai International Endurance City in Seih Al Salam, as Emirati rider Abdullah Abdulrahman Al Bastaki pulled off a remarkable turnaround to win the Gamilati Endurance Cup for Mares.

Trailing by 39 seconds at the start of the final 20 km loop, Al Bastaki unleashed a perfectly timed burst of speed approaching the finish line, guiding a willing Bullio Markan past the front runners to cross the finish line in a winning time of four hours 26 minutes and 15 seconds, clocking an average speed of 27.04 kph for the ride.

Just eleven seconds behind was second-placed Mohamed Saleh Al Attas, riding Ro Shy Star for Al Wathba Stables, who completed the 120 km ride in 4 hours, 26 minutes, and 26 seconds, also with an average speed of 27.04 kph across challenging desert terrain.

Third place went to another top MRM rider, Saif Al Mazrouei, winner of last year's HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup and Gamilati Endurance Cup for Mares. Al Mazrouei and his horse Bullio Ahnu finished just three seconds further back.

Reflecting on the triumph, Al Bastaki said:“It is a tremendous honour to win such a prestigious ride, especially in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

“Bullio Markan gave her absolute best, and I am thrilled to see our hard work rewarded on this incredible stage.”

Festival gains royal presence

The festival, established in honour of Sheikh Mohammed, a world champion endurance rider, was made even more special by his presence at Dubai International Endurance City, Seih Al Salam, for the second straight day.

During the ride, there was a constant battle for supremacy from the very first loop. Ahmed Al Hashmi and Epilobe of Al Reef Ajban Stables set an early pace during the opening 40 km loop, only to be overtaken by Catalina Llorens on Sekunda during the second 25 km circuit. Al Mazrouei, positioned second for much of the day, seized the lead heading into the third loop, appearing poised to defend his title.

Yet Al Bastaki and Bullio Markan had a different plan. After progressing steadily from ninth to seventh to fifth across the first three loops, the pair unleashed their full potential in the final loop. Al Bastaki's tactical brilliance, combined with Bullio Markan's exceptional stamina to snatch a spectacular victory, thrilling fans and further solidifying MRM Stables' dominance.

Al Bastaki's win in the Gamilati Endurance Cup for Mares follows Wednesday's victory by Al Mugheer in the Private Stables ride and Tuesday's triumph by Milena Mendez in the HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Ladies Ride, marking a thrilling start to the five-day festival.

Organised by the Dubai Equestrian Club, the festival concludes with the showpiece 160 km HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup on Saturday, 10 January, a fitting finale for one of the world's most prestigious endurance competitions.

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