Unforgettable Dead-Heat for Ralph Beckett in the Oak Tree Stakes at Goodwood
- Turf Diario
- Jul 31, 2025
- 3 min read
Saqqara Sands and Tabiti Hit the Wire Together in Historic Edition of Traditional Feature
CHICHESTER, Inglaterra (Special for Turf Diario).- In a scene rarely witnessed on the racecourse, Saqqara Sands and Tabiti, both trained by Ralph Beckett, could not be separated at the finish line of Wednesday's HKJC World Pool Oak Tree S. (G3, 1400m, turf) at Goodwood, delivering the British conditioner an unforgettable moment in the traditional Group 3 contest.
Ridden by Rossa Ryan and Ryan Moore, respectively, the Beckett fillies flashed past the post locked in a thrilling photo that proved indecipherable to both the naked eye and technology. Finishing just a half-length behind the pair in third was race favorite Bright Thunder (Night of Thunder).
For Tabiti (9-2), a Juddmonte-bred daughter of Frankel, it marked a second career stakes win, while Saqqara Sands(16-1), a homebred by Oasis Dream racing for John Deer, was making her first impact at the group level, having landed a listed contest at Carlisle in her most recent start.
“My daughter was laughing at me because I kept shouting, ‘Come on Rossa, come on Ryan, come on Rossa!’” Beckett said with a smile. “I’ve never had anything like that happen before. William Easterby just told me his father (Tim) did it about 10 years ago at Pontefract, so I’m in good company. It's one of those things you just don't forget.”
He continued: “They’re two very tough fillies, and we got the tactics right today. I’m especially pleased for the Deers. Saqqara Sands has been in terrific form—she worked really well over the weekend—and I thought she was a very big price. John’s been breeding good fillies for a long time, and she showed real grit out there.”
On Tabiti, Beckett added: “She looked like one that might be slipping away from us. I didn’t like her run in the Fillies’ Mile last year, and this season hadn’t started well. But the cheekpieces have made a real difference. I’m not sure what we’ll do next. Tabiti might try a mile or even travel abroad. With Saqqara Sands, I’m not convinced she wants any farther.”
Rossa Ryan, aboard Saqqara Sands, was quick to credit the team behind the scenes: “The lads and lasses in the yard don’t get nearly enough recognition. They put in blood, sweat, and tears. At least we didn’t lose… though I had my head up when I needed it down. Tabiti had the cheekpieces, and I just couldn’t get by her completely. But this filly is always knocking on the door. This Group win is huge for her pedigree.”
Bright Thunder, meanwhile, lost little in defeat for the Karl Burke team. “I’m as happy as I can be without winning,” said the trainer. “She looked like she was coming with a real run, but Ryan [Moore] had a clean shot in front. With a stronger pace or a better draw, she might’ve been right there. She’s still progressing, but she needs a bit of cut in the ground, so August might be tricky. We’ll look for something in the fall.”
Sam James, who partnered the favorite, echoed that sentiment: “Coming back to seven furlongs suited her, but she would’ve preferred a bit of ease in the ground. The wide draw didn’t help, either. I felt like I had them down the hill, but the front two had clear sailing and just kicked on.”
It was a rare and rewarding afternoon at Goodwood for Ralph Beckett, whose teamwork, preparation, and deep bench of talent came together in a double that will be hard to top.
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