Former Victorian based sire Estambul claimed his first black-type victory when Obastinado won the Listed Newmarket Handicap at Launceston on Thursday night.

Obastinado (4g Estambul – Shades of Stubborn by Aliocha) survived a protest from runner-up Gold in Dubai (Desert Sun) to continue the winning run of trainers David and Scott Brunton.  The father-son team landed a mainland feature when Lady Lynette (Ladoni) won the G3 Tesio Stakes at Moonee Valley on Cox Plate day.

Obastinado was a $35,000 buy out of the Pastel Park consignment at the 2008 Tasmanian Magic Millions yearling sale.  He is raced by a syndicate managed by Tasbreeders CEO Brett Williams and has now banked over $175,000.

“This horse has done an incredible job,” Scott Brunton said.  “He’s underrated and I wasn’t really expecting it.  I couldn’t be more happy for Brett and the owners.   They’ve been fantastic.”

Estambul (Arg) was based at Ealing Park in Victoria before his relocation to Park Crest this year.  The Westbury based stud is owned by Phillip and Cindy Swinton and is also home to Torch Relay (Lonhro), Mr Innocent (Mr Henrysee) and Brilliant Leader (Danehill).

Estambul is a Nureyev line stallion and is one of the fastest horses ever imported to Australia after clocking 54.21s to win a Group 1 over 1000m in Buenos Aires.  He has sired 27 winners of 54 races at a 42% strike-rate.

Obstinado won the $60,000 Jackson Motors 3YO Cup and the $50,000 3YO Classic in Launceston last season.  He returned this term to defeat fellow Estambul galloper Waddington in Hobart leading up to the Newmarket.

Obstinado is from Listed Tasmanian Guineas and Cascade Classic winner Shades of Stubborn.  Her 3yo filly A Touch Of Shades (Ladoni) was placed at Launceston in August and she also has an unnamed 2yo colt by Niello.