Aga Khan homebred provides Dermot Weld with his first Breeders' Cup winner
Aga Khan Studs hombred Tarnawa (Shamardal) proved absolutely terrific as she toppled several of the world's best grass runners in Saturday's US$4 million Breeders' Cup Longines Turf (G1, 12f) at Keeneland.
Tarnawa and replacement rider Colin Keane, who took the mount after Christophe Soumillon tested positive for COVID-19, broke a little awkwardly from the gates and sat at the rear of the field.
Channel Maker (Inglis Channel) hustled to the lead out of the gate and set a measured tempo, posting fractions of :25.57, :51.06, 1:15.99, and 1:40.52 through the opening mile while last year's runner-up United (Giant's Causeway) kept close watch.
Channel Maker opened up as he led the field through the far turn for the second time and straightened for home with a sizeable advantage, but Tarnawa was hustling down the center of the course with gusto.
Sweeping past Channel Maker and the favorite Magical (Galileo) to take the lead in the closing stages, Tarnawa proved much the best, crossing a length clear of Magical with Channel Maker a close third.
"Pretty straightforward, to be honest," Keane replied when asked what instructions trainer Dermot Weld gave him."
Mr Weld said get her out the gates and ride her as you find her. I spoke to Oisin Orr (who had ridden her previously) and he said she's very straightforward. We just tipped away down the back straight, then we got going before the bend, then off she went. We got a clean run then and she was very good to the line."
Tarnawa's win was her fourth from as many starts this year, the latter 3 all at the Grade/Group 1 level, and improved her overall record to eight wins from 14 starts and she has now earned US$2,868,503 after giving Weld his first Breeders' Cup victory.
She is the only winner out of the dual Listed winning Cape Cross (Green Desert) mare Tarana who is herself a daughter of fellow Listed winner Tarakala (Dr Fong).
Late charge by TARNAWA (IRE) to get the win in the #BreedersCup Turf! Congrats to connections Trainer Dermot Weld, Jockey Colin Keane & Owners HH Aga Khan Studs. #BetWithTVG on #BC20! pic.twitter.com/OU0vnUgtuZ
— TVG (@TVG) November 7, 2020
