The Group 2 USD $2.5m Red Sea Turf Handicap Presented by Longines, a marathon test over 3000m, served up its seventh edition in epic style as the Joseph O’Brien-trained Sons And Lovers (GB) emerged victorious.
The Irish challenger sat in an advantageous stalking position on the rail as stablemate Tennessee Stud (IRE) set a glacial tempo on the front. Splitting horses heading for home in the three-turn affair, the son of Study of Man was unleashed by Dylan Browne McMonagle, seized the lead and then held off a three-strong challenge of Tarriance (GB) and Tabletalk (IRE) to his outside and Real Dream (IRE) to his inside to win by a half-length in a time of 3:11.560.
Tabletalk was best of the aforementioned trio, checking in second a neck ahead of Tarriance, who was a nose to the good of Real Dream. Last year’s runner-up, Epic Poet (IRE) rallied well to be fifth. The victory was O’Brien’s first at The Saudi Cup meeting after eight tries, including a fourth in this race with Baron Samedi (GB) in 2022.
Quotes
Dylan Browne McMonagle, jockey, Sons And Lovers, 1st: “These are very lucky colours, for sure [won G1 Breeders Cup Turf on Ethical Diamond for owners HOS Syndicate]. I’m very lucky to come to these kinds of meetings and get on these horses. He was very well-prepared by the team here and Joseph had him spot-on.
“My job was easy and he did it really well. He got two or three lengths out of the gates and I didn’t really want to be there. I was very happy to get a lead (from Tennessee Stud) as I was worried that he might have done too much, but he’s a horse who’s got form over shorter, so I knew he was going to quicken good. When I got there, he waited, but he was good and tough when the challenges came to him.”
Josep O’Brien, trainer, Sons And Lovers: “He’s really developed well and it’s obviously a career-best coming into tonight. It was his first time at the distance and he was a little bit keen early and Dylan gave him a lovely ride and got him to relax down the back straight.
“Delighted to get a bit of room in the straight. He was in a great spot and he was tough when he had to be. Dubai is a legitimate possibility for his next run. I’m delighted for the ownership. They love racing on the international stage and this is hopefully a horse who has his best days ahead. It’s a special win. We’ve had horses place here before, but it’s a real privilege to come to Saudi and places like here to compete. It’s even more special to win.”
Rossa Ryan, jockey, Tabletalk, 2nd: “He ran a blinder, giving all that weight away to the younger horses. I’d say if it was run at a truer test, he might change the result.
“Dylan came through them and I had to go around them. He ran a belter. Get him on level weights and an even gallop, we should turn the form around. Being gelded has done him a world of good and he is going the right way. Hopefully this will have done him well for his confidence.”
Oisin Murphy, jockey, Tarriance, 3rd: “His career-best run and I’m very happy. He had a light weight and condition suited him, getting all the way. We are very happy.”