Third time proves lucky for Al Nayyir in Lonsdale Cup

Al Nayyir powered home from the rear to make it third time lucky Weatherbys Lonsdale Cup at York.

Tom Clover’s stayer was beaten just a short head by Vauban in this Group Two contest two years ago and picked up the bronze medal behind Trawlerman 12 months ago.

Sent off at 9-1, the eight-year-old was also second in the Yorkshire Cup on the Knavesmire in May and he was dropping back in trip and class after finishing seventh in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot.

It did not look great for Al Nayyir’s supporters halfway up the home straight, with William Buick rowing along at the rear of the field – but to his credit Clover’s charge kept responding to pressure and he passed the post a length in front of Illinois, with Mount Atlas third and 7-4 favourite Caballo De Mar a tired fourth.