Kilboy Estate Stakes: Red Tea rises to occasion at the Curragh
Red Tea dominated from the front in a depleted Kilboy Estate Stakes at the Curragh.
Just five runners went to post for the nine-furlong Group Two, with the William Haggas-trained Move Swiftly - who would have been a hot favourite to follow up her victory in the Duke of Cambridge Stakes at Royal Ascot - the most significant of three non-runners.
In the British raider's absence, Joseph O'Brien's Red Tea was the 11/10 market leader, having finished eighth behind Move Swiftly at the Royal meeting on her latest appearance.
Donnacha O'Brien sent the six-year-old straight to the lead and gradually raised the tempo.
Aidan O'Brien's Goddess attempted to close the gap late on, but Red Tea never looked in serious danger of being caught and was good value for the official winning margin of two lengths.
"Donnacha gave her a lovely ride, kept it very simple and controlled the race," said the winning trainer.
"In fairness, she is a good mare. She's been improving and improving, and to be a Group Two 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.
"She's a filly that could maybe travel a little bit. The Blandford Stakes (back at the Curragh) could be another option."
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