Red Tea © Photo Healy Racing
Red Tea dominated from the front to run out a cosy winner of the Kilboy Estate Stakes at the Curragh this afternoon.
With the race reduced to five, following three non-runners, Joseph O'Brien's charge went to post a 11/10 shot for the Group 2 contest over nine furlongs.
Donnacha O'Brien bounced out in front on the daughter of Sakhee and she responded well when asked to quicken a furlong-and-a-half from home.
The favourite soon has matters in hand and just needed to be kept going 'hands and heels' in the closing stages to post a comfortable two-length win. Goddess and Annie Fior came close when battling it out for second but the result stood with the former having a head advantage at the line.
Red Tea had been third at the same level here in May before finishing mid-division at Royal Ascot.
“Donnacha gave her a lovely ride, kept it very simple and controlled the race,” said O'Brien.
“In fairness she is a good mare. She's bee improving and improving and to be a Group 2 winner now she is hugely valuable.
“It cut up a little bit in fairness but still she had to go and do it and she's done it well.
“I don't think she even got a flick, she was good and impressive.
“To be honest I don't have another plan with her. She's a Group 2 winner now.
“She's a filly that could maybe travel a little bit. The Blandford could be another option.
“She was very well bought and I'm delighted for all the lads.”
She gave Joseph O'Brien a double on the card as Latin Five landed the nursery in race two.
