Superstar jockey Ryan Moore is set to partner with last year's Epsom Derby third-place finisher in a lucrative £1.8 million handicap race in Saudi Arabia. The celebrated rider, who boasts a flawless 100 per cent record from four rides in Britain this year, will take on his first major race assignment of 2026 at the prestigious Saudi World Cup meeting in Riyadh on February 14.
Moore's Dual Role at Saudi Meeting
Moore's schedule includes riding the recent Winter Derby Trial winner Survie in the £2.2 million Neom Turf Cup. Additionally, he will pilot Tennessee Stud, one of three runners trained by Joseph O'Brien, in the Group 2 Red Sea Turf Handicap. This marks a significant international outing for Moore, whose impeccable form in Britain has set high expectations for his performance on the global stage.
Tennessee Stud's Impressive Pedigree
Tennessee Stud, owned by the Coolmore partners, demonstrated strong form throughout last season. The horse secured third place in the prestigious Epsom Classic behind Lambourn, followed by a fourth-place finish in the Irish Derby. The season concluded triumphantly with a victory in a Group 2 race in France during Arc weekend, showcasing the horse's competitive edge and readiness for high-stakes competition.
Joseph O'Brien's Strong Contingent
Trainer Joseph O'Brien will field a formidable team at the Saudi meeting, with four runners across the key races. In addition to Tennessee Stud, O'Brien will saddle the JP McManus-owned Goodie Two Shoes, the Melbourne Cup runner-up, and Sons And Lovers in the Red Sea Turf Handicap. Galen represents his stable in the Neom Turf Cup, creating a diverse and competitive lineup.
International Jockey Collaboration
Ireland's champion jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle will travel from Hong Kong to partner with Goodie Two Shoes and Galen. This follows his participation in the International Jockeys' Challenge the previous day. O'Brien and Browne McMonagle have enjoyed considerable success together domestically and internationally, with O'Brien having trained Group 1 winners in six countries and Browne McMonagle achieving elite-level success in four major racing nations.
Historical Context and Preparation
O'Brien has previous experience at the Saudi Cup meetings, having saddled Al Riffa to minor honours behind Shin Emperor in last year's Neom Turf Cup and training Baron Samedi to a fourth-place finish in the 2022 Red Sea Turf Handicap. Reflecting on the upcoming event, O'Brien stated, "These are races we targeted before, it is top-class international racing and they are competitive races with great prize money."
He added, "We are looking forward to competing there. Dylan will fly in to ride in the International Jockeys' Challenge on Friday and then he will ride Galen in the Neom Turf Cup and Goodie Two Shoes in the Red Sea Handicap on Saturday evening. James Doyle will ride Sons And Lovers and Ryan Moore will ride Tennessee Stud. All four horses have had a good preparation for this trip and these races and we're looking forward to seeing them run."
The collaboration between Moore and Tennessee Stud highlights the international appeal of the Saudi World Cup meeting, drawing top talent from across the globe. With substantial prize money and competitive fields, this event promises to be a highlight of the 2026 racing calendar, showcasing the best in thoroughbred competition and jockey skill.
