Pocatello Downs hosted the $19,000 Idaho Cup Maturity on Sunday's race card.

© Sam Wilson

By H. David Smith, StallioneSearch

POCATELLO, ID—MAY 25, 2025—Jess Yaya delivered a determined finish to win Sunday’s running of the $19,000 Idaho Cup Maturity at Pocatello Downs, edging clear in the final yards of the 440-yard feature for Idaho Cup-eligible older Quarter Horses.

Breaking sharply from post six, the 5-year-old sorrel gelding was quickly in contention and dueled head-and-head through the early going before surging to a half-length victory.

Under jockey Nick Newbold, Jess Yaya crossed the wire in 21.250 seconds on a fast track, earning a 103 speed index and the winner’s share of the purse worth $7,980. He boosted his career mark to (20) 3-6-6 and earnings of $48,880.

Owned and bred by Nadine Newbold, and trained by David Newbold, the gelded son of Jess Got Easier out of Hadtobebasic, by Hadtobenuts, recorded his first career stakes win and continues to shine in state-bred company.

Making his first start since last October, Snobird put in a valiant effort from post eight to finish second, just a neck ahead of the third-place finisher. The 4-year-old gelding by One Sweet Jess, out of Snow In My Corona by the Thoroughbred sire Snowbound, is owned by Martin and Pedro Vega, trained by Martin. He was ridden by Julian Zavala. Snobird earned $3,800 for the runner-up effort.

Finishing third was Rtm My Turn, another 4-year-old gelding, this one by four-time world champion sire FDD Dynasty out of Rtm Say Your Prayers by Chickie Cherry Cola. The gray runner, bred by Susan T. Hanson and campaigned by RTM Stables LLC, was guided by jockey Jose Figueroa and trained by Mark Hanson. He earned $1,900 for the show finish.

Rounding out the field were Rtm Ginsburg, Bw Just a Ruger, Radar, Jj Miss Jessie Bug , Streakin Black Wes, and Special Candy.

The race was contested under clear skies, with temperatures at 75° and no wind reported. All runners broke cleanly, with the start described as good for all.

The total handle for the 12th and final race of the day was $50,846, and 950 fans were in attendance.

Editor's note: A photo of this race will be posted when it becomes available from the track photographer.

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