The Red Sea Turf Handicap produced a stirring spectacle on Saturday, February 14, 2026, as Sons And Lovers (GB) dug deep to land the Group 2 USD $2.5 million contest over a demanding 3000 metres. In the seventh running of the Red Sea Turf Handicap, the Joseph O’Brien-trained stayer delivered a performance of patience and poise, sealing a memorable international success for his connections.
Run as a true test of stamina around three sweeping turns, the Red Sea Turf Handicap unfolded at an unhurried early tempo, with Tennessee Stud (IRE) dictating steady fractions on the front end. That glacial pace allowed Sons And Lovers to settle beautifully along the rail, tucked in behind his stablemate and conserving energy for the long home straight.
Turning for home, the complexion of the race changed in a matter of strides. Dylan Browne McMonagle angled Sons And Lovers into daylight, splitting rivals with purpose. The son of Study Of Man quickened smartly when asked, asserting inside the final furlong before fending off a sustained three-pronged challenge. Tabletalk (IRE), Tarriance (GB) and Real Dream (IRE) closed in from either side, but Sons And Lovers found more when it mattered most, prevailing by half a length in 3:11.560.
Tabletalk finished best of the pursuers, taking second by a neck from Tarriance, who in turn was a nose ahead of Real Dream. Epic Poet (IRE), last year’s runner-up, stayed on to claim fifth.
Subheading: Red Sea Turf Handicap Breakthrough for O’Brien
For Joseph O’Brien, this Red Sea Turf Handicap victory marked a breakthrough moment at the prestigious Saudi Cup meeting. Having previously gone close — including a fourth-place finish with Baron Samedi (GB) in 2022 — the Irish trainer finally secured a long-sought success on this grand stage.
McMonagle, enjoying another high-profile international triumph, credited both preparation and positioning. “He was very well-prepared by the team here and Joseph had him spot-on,” he said. “My job was easy and he did it really well. I was happy to get a lead as I didn’t want to do too much early. He has form over shorter, so I knew he’d quicken well. When the challenges came, he was good and tough.”
O’Brien echoed those sentiments, highlighting the horse’s development and stamina. “He’s really progressed and this is a career-best. It was his first time at the distance. Dylan gave him a lovely ride and got him to relax. He was tough when he had to be,” he said, suggesting Dubai could be a legitimate next target.
Rossa Ryan, rider of Tabletalk, felt the runner-up had lost little in defeat after conceding weight to younger rivals, while Oisin Murphy described Tarriance’s third-place effort as a career-best performance under favourable conditions.
Ultimately, the Red Sea Turf Handicap once again underlined its growing stature as one of the world’s premier staying contests, drawing international challengers and delivering a finish worthy of its lofty billing. For Sons And Lovers, it was a defining moment — a blend of tactical intelligence, stamina and courage that will resonate well beyond this edition.
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