Byzantine Dream rises to the occasion for Japan in Red Sea Turf

Oisin Murphy guided the improving stayer to success in Riyadh

Image: Oisin Murphy and Byzantine Dream (JPN) provide another triumph for Japanese horses in the US $2.5m Longines Red Sea Turf Handicap

Credit: Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia //Mathea Kelley

Saturday 22 February, 2025 – Oisin Murphy continued a fabulous night at The Saudi Cup as he steered Byzantine Dream (JPN) home in the US $2.5m Longines Red Sea Turf Handicap.

Tomoyasu Sakaguchi’s 4-year-old was among the improving types in the 3000m event and the multiple British champion jockey anchored him toward the back of the field as Gregory took them along.

Presage Nocturne (IRE) made a bid for glory with 400m remaining before Byzantine Dream quickly took over, drifting towards the rail, but the Japanese colt was made to work as Epic Poet (IRE), who had been stuck behind horses, was finally unleashed and jockey Danny Tudhope closed the gap to a length and a quarter. The winning time was 3:06.630

Quotes:

Oisin Murphy, jockey, Byzantine Dream, 1st: "He broke OK but I thought there would be a reasonable amount of pace and they went quicker than I expected. He felt super under me yesterday morning, although I only had about two hours’ sleep when I got on him, but it was worth it.

"These are very famous colours [Kazumi Yoshida] and it was great to wear them and get on him. He had a good run in the Japanese St Leger, only beaten four lengths, and that was good enough here.

"He has a great turn of foot and I never had to touch his mouth on the run around and that always helps. From the time then went by the winning post the first time, as long as I did everything right, from there he was going to win."

Tomoyasu Sakaguchi, trainer, Byzantine Dream: "I had a lot of expectations with him coming into the race, as the race should suit him. He has travelled very well, much better than expected and been training well. Everything went perfectly including a nice breeze before the race. The further plan has not been decided. I am so proud to be able to join the winning team of Japan tonight."

David O’Meara, trainer, Epic Poet, 2nd: "Little bit hard luck but delighted with him. He got locked in for a little bit up the straight but finished off really strongly. He’s been invited to the World Cup meeting in Dubai so we’ll look at that."

Ryan Moore, jockey, Continuous, 3rd: "He ran very well. It was his first run back, so happy with him."