LETTERKENNY JOCKEY Martin Harley won the 250th Doncaster Cup today aboard Sheikhzayedroad.
The 100-30 shot, trained by David Simcock, won after what is being regarded as one of the best finishes ever to a race that was celebrating its 250th anniversary.
Sheikhzayedroad, steered by the patient Harley, won by a nose after a dramatic photo finish with Quest For More.
The winner of the Lonsdale Cup, Quest For More, was the 5/2 favourite and lead for most of the two miles and two furlongs, but Harley rallied in the final furlong to secure a memorable win.
[adrotate group=”38″]The seven-year old Sheikhzayedroad just had the edge when it came to the crunch.
“He’s run some very good races this year and got a good gallop today. Fair play to the old boy as he keeps producing the good,” Harley beamed.
“When I went to George’s horse. Quest For More picked up again and I didn’t want to be hitting the front three out because my fella’s a bit quirky, but he’s tough and he put his head down at the right place and at the right time.”
[adrotate group=”37″]It was only the second time that Sheikhzayedroad was a winner, he last a Grade One success in Toronto two years ago.
Harley and Sheikhzayedroad were third in the Gold Cup and the Goodwood Cup this year, but they hit the high notes here to win from Quest For More while the 6-1 St Michel was in third.
