Tahiyra ensured it was back-to-back Irish 1000 Guineas for the Dermot Weld team by going one better than at Newmarket three weeks ago on the Curragh this afternoon.
The Aga Khan-owned daughter of Siyouni was a fabulous winner of the Moyglare Stud Stakes last season and lost little in defeat when going down by half a length in the English 1000 Guineas at Newmarket on her seasonal reappearance.
Sent off the 2/5 market leader connections were made to sweat slightly as jockey Chris Hayes briefly found himself waiting for room as the field approached the four-furlong marker, but she soon created daylight and produced a scintillating turn of foot putting the race to bed in a matter of strides. Old rival Meditate (10/3) looked to have everything go her way with Ryan Moore once again opting to dictate matters off the front end, but she was just no match for Tahirya who pulled away comfortably for a one-and-a-half-length victory. Jim Bolger's Comhra (150/1) ran a huge race back in third with Tahiyra's stablemate, Tarawa (12/1), finishing back in fourth under Billy Lee.
It was back-to-back victories in the fillies' Classic for trainer Dermot Weld who saddled Homeless Songs to victory in this twelve months ago.
Trainer Dermot Weld said: "She was in a pocket, but when you have a very good horse, they have the pace to get out of that pocket. I was always comfortable."
"The plan was to hold onto her and ride her for speed. My only concern was whether she would let herself down on the quick ground. They have done a good job here."
"We'll see how she comes out of this race and obviously we will think about the Coronation Stakes."
Chris Hayes added: "I'm obviously relieved. Proud of the filly. I know we could do no more in Newmarket, but I was very deflated after and I took it hard. I was delighted racing was called off the next day because well you don't get opportunities like that too often and it's not too often you get a filly like that so. I had felt like the jockey is always the one to blame isn't he and you're always going to blame the driver. But nobody did and it was just a bit of self-criticism."
"Look we were able to get things right today and tactically I had to be very aware from where I was drawn. I needed a willing partner. By God, she is good."
Connections are now eyeing what should be a thrilling rematch with Newmarket conqueror Mawj in the Coronation Stakes Royal Ascot next month where Tahiyra remains the general 7/4 favourite.
