In a spectacular display of endurance riding strategy, Emirati athlete Abdullah Abdulrahman Al Bastaki delivered one of the most remarkable comebacks in equestrian sports history during Day Three of the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival. Riding Bullio Markan for MRM Stables, Al Bastaki overcame a substantial 39-second deficit in the final 20-kilometer loop to seize victory in the Gamilati Endurance Cup for Mares.
The competition, held at Dubai International Endurance City in Seih Al Salam, witnessed an intense three-way battle that culminated in Al Bastaki’s triumphant finish with a time of 4 hours, 26 minutes, and 15 seconds. His average speed of 27.04 km/h across 120 kilometers of challenging desert terrain demonstrated both exceptional horsemanship and strategic pacing.
Mohamed Saleh Al Attas of Al Wathba Stables secured second position aboard Ro Shy Star, finishing merely 11 seconds behind the leader. Defending champion Saif Al Mazrouei, also representing MRM Stables, claimed third place just three seconds later aboard Bullio Ahnu, creating one of the closest finishes in the event’s history.
The victory carried special significance for Al Bastaki, who expressed honor at winning before His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The festival founder, himself a world champion endurance rider, attended for the second consecutive day, adding prestige to the competition.
Strategic mastery unfolded throughout the event as early leaders including Ahmed Al Hashmi (Al Reef Ajban Stables) and Catalina Llorens set aggressive paces before Al Mazrouei assumed control heading into the third loop. Meanwhile, Al Bastaki executed a calculated progression from ninth to fifth position before unleashing his final assault.
This victory marks the third consecutive triumph for MRM Stables during the five-day festival, following earlier wins in the Private Stables ride and Ladies Ride categories. Organized by the Dubai Equestrian Club, the festival culminates on January 10th with the prestigious 160 km HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup, cementing Dubai’s status as a global endurance riding destination.