Group 2 Lonsdale Cup win for magnificent Al Nayyir

STABLESTAR Al Nayyir gained a first Group 2 success when winning the Lonsdale Cup at York on Friday.

Elbashir Elhrari’s wonderful stayer, aged 8, has taken his form to a new level this season, winning a Group 3 in Dubai along with placed efforts in the Dubai Gold Cup and Yorkshire Cup.

With good to soft ground and a fast pace to aim at, Al Nayyir produced is customary late burst to get up close home under a power-packed William Buick.

He was thrilling to watch and a fantastic result for all the team – notably Billy Crossland and Molly Keegan-Price – he regular riders at home.

Tom said: “Winning on these days are what we do it for – it’s a special race at a huge meeting and a real boost for the whole team. The horse is a real star – to be better than ever at the age of 8 is a credit to everyone at home. The race set up perfectly for him and William was superb.”