HKJC World Pool Oak Tree Stakes 2025 Produces Historic Finish
Beckett’s pair, Saqqara Sands (16/1) and Tabiti (9/2), proved inseparable at the wire in the Group 3 contest over seven furlongs. Ridden by Rossa Ryan and Ryan Moore respectively, the duo held off the fast-finishing favourite Bright Thunder (7/2), who was half a length behind in third.
It was a first Group 3 success for Saqqara Sands, owned and bred by John Deer, following her Listed triumph at Carlisle. Tabiti, a Juddmonte homebred, added a second Group 3 to her résumé in a race that will live long in memory for its rare outcome and visual drama.
“My daughter laughed watching me switch between cheering Rossa and Ryan,” Beckett said. “I’ve never experienced a dead-heat between two of my own horses before. These fillies are both hard as nails and ran exactly to plan today.”
Beckett revealed that blinkers had revitalized Tabiti after a quiet start to her season. He hinted she might be stretched to a mile for future targets, possibly overseas, while Saqqara Sands may remain over seven furlongs.
Jockey Rossa Ryan praised his mount’s consistency: “She’s never finished outside the top two. This win boosts her value hugely. John Deer breeds excellent fillies, and this one has turned into a proper Group performer.”
Trainer Karl Burke was encouraged by Bright Thunder’s effort: “She looked the likely winner two furlongs out, but the draw and ground didn’t help. We’ll find her a softer surface and target autumn.”
Read more international racing coverage on RaceBuzz.
To learn more about the global betting platform behind this contest, visit the official HKJC World Pool website.