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‘Like A Lioness’: Defending Turf Champion Tarnawa Ready For ‘Bigger Challenge’ At Del Mar

Last year's Breeders' Cup Turf winner Tarnawa has long been penciled in for this year's edition of the 1 1/2-mile race at Del Mar, veteran Irish trainer Dermot Weld revealed during an NTRA media teleconference on Wednesday, shortly after pre-entries for this year's world championships were released. Weld believes the Aga Khan's 5-year-old daughter of Shamardal is up to the challenge, despite questions about how she might handle the firm ground “Where the Turf Meets the Surf.”

“I think this is what makes a really true champion, if they can go and defend their crown over different surfaces a year apart,” Weld said. “This will be a bigger challenge than last year for her, due to the firmer ground. Equally, she is a really, really good racemare who responds to each challenge she gets.”

Tarnawa is pre-entered in both the Turf and the Filly & Mare Turf, but Weld said she would most likely run against males to defend her title in the Turf.

In order to facilitate her return trip to the United States, Tarnawa had a later-than-normal start to her 2021 campaign. She commenced with a win in the Group 3 Ballyroan Stakes at Leopardstown on Aug. 5, and was subsequently beaten just three-quarters of a length by St. Mark's Basilica in the G1 Irish Champion Stakes on Sept. 11. In her third start this year, the mare put in a valiant effort to fall just shy of a win in the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

“She fought like a lioness, and unfortunately we just came up short and the ground was extremely testing,” said Weld. “She's a very brave filly, very tough, very genuine. She gives 110 percent every time she runs. When she came back from Paris she was tired for about a week, so we just took it easy with her… I've been very happy with her work for the past week.”

Weld, the 21-time champion trainer in Ireland, knows what it takes to win races internationally. A qualified veterinarian, Weld took over his father's yard (Charlie Weld) at the age of 24 after gaining early experience on the backstretch of Belmont Park. He has since trained top-level winners on four continents, and he remains the only European trainer to win a leg of the American Triple Crown: the 1990 Belmont Stakes with the aptly-named Go And Go.

A year later, Weld sent raiders to Hong Kong and saddled Additional Risk to win the International Hong Kong Mile. In 1993, Weld became the first European trainer to send out a winner in Australia's Melbourne Cup when Vintage Crop captured the “race that stops a nation.” He won a second Melbourne Cup with Media Puzzle in 2002, and has won a total of 10 stakes races in the United States.

Now 73, Weld is excited to travel to Del Mar for this year's Breeders' Cup. Due to pandemic restrictions he was unable to attend the races at Keeneland in 2020, so Weld had to celebrate the first Breeders' Cup win of his career from afar. This year, Weld hopes to see Tarnawa rise to the challenge at Del Mar in person.

“I appreciate that she handled what we would call good to firm ground in Kentucky, whereas I am well aware that what we face is going to be a lot quicker and is a concern,” Weld said. “I actually think she could be a slightly better mare this year. She's developed every year, and she's actually training a couple of kilos heavier than last year… She's a very professional racehorse, with such a great constitution.”

Tarnawa will be ridden by Colin Keane in the Turf, reuniting her with the jockey who piloted her to victory at Keeneland. Keane rode Tarnawa for her first two starts this year, but Christophe Soumillon was up for the Arc. Weld explained that Soumillon is the Aga Khan's retained rider in France, whereas Keane rides most of the horses in Ireland.

“(Keane) did win on her last year, and he gave her a perfect ride in the Irish Champion Stakes,” Weld said.

Weld also revealed that 2021 will be Tarnawa's final season of racing. The mare is pre-entered in the Hong Kong International Races on Dec. 12, but whether or not she makes that trip will be dependent on how she runs in the Breeders' Cup.

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Essential Quality, Medina Spirit, Letruska & Malathaat Top Breeders’ Cup Pre-Entries

Champion Essential Quality (Tapit), GI Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit (Protonico), MGISW turf star Domestic Spending (GB) (Kingman {GB}), defending GI Breeders' Cup Turf heroine Tarnawa (Ire) (Shamardal), top distaffer Letruska (Super Saver) and GI Kentucky Oaks victress Malathaat (Curlin) are among the 196 horses entered in the Nov. 5-6 Breeders' Cup World Championships to be held at Del Mar. This will be the second time the SoCal venue plays hosts to the Breeders' Cup, with the first being in 2017. The 56 international horses are a record number of international pre-entries for the Breeders' Cup and span seven countries: Great Britain (26), Ireland (17), Japan (8), France (2), Argentina (1), Peru (1) and South Africa (1).

Medina Spirit has already proved he could defeat his elders when dominating the GI Awesome Again S. Oct. 2, while last year's GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner Essential Quality faces them for the first time as the likely top two betting choices in the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Classic. They take on the likes of MGISW Knicks Go (Paynter), who dominated the GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile last year; GI Jockey Club Gold Cup victor Max Player (Honor Code); and GI TVG Pacific Classic winner Tripoli (Kitten's Joy).

Letruska will be the bettors' top choice in the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Distaff off five straight victories, most recently taking the GI Juddmonte Spinster S. Oct. 10. Malathaat leads the sophomore filly division with three wins from four starts this season, including Saratoga's GI Alabama S. last out Aug. 21. They are joined by 2020 Oaks winner Shedaresthedevil (Daredevil), who enters off back-to-back wins in the Aug. 1 GI Clement L. Hirsch S. and Sept. 18 GIII Locust Grove S.; GII Zenyatta S. one-two Private Mission (Into Mischief) and As Time Goes By (American Pharoah); and six others.

A total of 22 horses were entered in the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Turf with 14 making the body of the field, topped by last year's winner Tarnawa. Domestic Spending tops the U.S. contingent with a pair of Grade Is this year and a last-out second in the GI Mr. D. S. Aug, 14. Other top American contenders include MGISW Gufo (Declaration of War) and MGSW United (Giant's Causeway). Exactly half of the field hails from overseas, six from Europe and one from Japan, including the Aidan O'Brien-trained Love (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and the Charlie Appleby/Godolphin duo of Walton Street (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}) and Yibir (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}).

Also overdrawn by two is the GI Maker's Mark Breeders' Cup F/M Turf with 14 in the field and two on the outside. Audarya (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) is back to defend her title and is joined by six other Europeans. The Japanese have one representative and the rest of the field represents the home team, including GI Flower Bowl S. heroine War Like Goddess (English Channel) and GI Rodeo Drive S. victress Going to Vegas (Goldencents). Tarnawa is entered both here and against the boys with first preference being a title defense in the Turf.

Twenty-four horses were entered for the GI FanDuel Breeders' Cup Mile with 14 in the body and 10 outside. Eight of those are domestic runners and six foreign, including MG1SW Mother Earth (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}). Defending winner Order of Australia (Ire) (Australia {GB}) was entered, but his retirement was announced later in the day. The Chad Brown-trained pair of Blowout (GB) (Dansili {GB}) and Raging Bull (Fr) (Dark Angel {Ire}) lead the American runners.

With Knicks Go headed to the Classic, the GI Big Ass Fans Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile will be headlined by GII Kelso H. hero Life is Good (Into Mischief) and GI Met Mile winner Silver State (Hard Spun).

Grade I-winning “savage” Firenze Fire (Poseidon's Warrior) looks to close out his career on a high note before moving to Japan for his stallion career in the GI Qatar Racing Breeders' Cup Sprint S. He will have his work cut out for him with the likes of MGISWs Dr. Schivel (Violence) and Jackie's Warrior (Maclean's Music); and GII Vosburgh S. hero Following Sea (Runhappy) signed on.

Gamine (Into Mischief) looks to defend her title in the GI Breeders' Cup F/M Sprint S. and will be heavily favored to do so facing just six rivals. Her top competition will likely come from fellow GI Longines Test S. winner Bella Sofia (Awesome Patiot) and MGISW Ce Ce (Elusive Quality), who was fifth in the Distaff last year.

Completing the nine Breeders' Cup races on Saturday's card is the GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint, which drew 19 entries. Wesley Ward saddles three of the 12 horses in the body of the field last year's GII Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint S. winner Golden Pal (Uncle Mo), whose dam Lady Shipman (Midshipman) came up a neck short in this event back in 2015. He is joined by stablemates Kimari (Munnings), who has not been seen since winning the GI Madison S. back in April, and Arrest Me Red (Pioneerof the Nile), winner of the GIII Belmont Turf Sprint Invitational S. Oct. 2.

The GI TVG Breeders' Cup Juvenile highlights the “Future Stars Friday” card at Del Mar. Fourteen 2-year-olds are entered in this stallion-making event, topped by undefeated Grade-I winning 'TDN Rising Stars' Jack Christopher (Munnings) and Corniche (Quality Road).

Undefeated MGISW Echo Zulu (Gun Runner) looks to complete a banner year for her freshman sire as the favorite in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. She faces eight challengers, including Grade I winners Juju's Map (Liam's Map) and Ain't Easy (Into Mischief).

Fourteen horses will line up for the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf with six more on the outside looking in. Eleven juveniles represent America, including unbeaten 'TDN Rising Star' Annapolis (War Front) and GIII Futurity S. winner Slipstream (More Than Ready). Charlie Appleby saddles two of the five European runners in Albahr (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) and Modern Games (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}).

The GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf drew a full field of 14 with four on the sidelines. Americans dominate yet again with eight of the entries, including GII Miss Grillo S. winner Sail By (Astern {Aus}) and GIII Matron S. heroine Bubble Rock (More Than Ready).

Rounding out the quintet of juvenile races is the only Breeders' Cup races that is not yet a Grade I, the GII Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint. Wesley Ward has won two of the previous three renewals and has two chances to repeat in Averly Jane (Midshipman) and Twilight Gleaming (Ire) (National Defense {GB}). This race was also oversubscribed with 19 entries. Of the 12 that will make up the body of the race, it is an even split between America and Europe.

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57 Group 1 Winners Among Nominees To Hong Kong International Races

The 2021 LONGINES Hong Kong International Races has attracted a galaxy of global and local stars with 135 world-class horses included in a glittering entry, with 57 individual Group 1 winners from nine countries or regions eyeing the lucrative four-race showcase on Dec. 12. Now worth a mammoth HK$100 million (US$12.86 million), the four G1s on offer are the HK$30 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m), HK$26 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m), HK$24 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) and HK$20 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase (2400m). While the COVID-19 pandemic has continued to create uncertainty around many international sporting events, the strength of this year's entries for the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races again reaffirms the importance of the end-of-year spectacular to horsemen from around the world with the nomination of heavyweights Golden Sixty, Gran Alegria, Verry Elleegant, Mac Swiney, Tarnawa, Loves Only You, Hot King Prawn, Danon Smash, Nature Strip, Snowfall, Love and Sealiway.

Japan heads the overseas representation with 40 of the 90 entries received from abroad, while Hong Kong has 45 contenders listed. Hong Kong's Horse of the Year Golden Sixty headlines a fascinating list of entries. The brilliant son of Medaglia d'Oro hasn't tasted defeat in over two years and will look to defend his title in the LONGINES Hong Kong Mile after blitzing last year's contest. A strong contingent from Aidan O'Brien's all-conquering Ballydoyle has been entered with the Irish mastermind fielding 10 nominations. Featured is Mogul, last year's LONGINES Hong Kong Vase hero, while his brilliant Epsom Oaks winning duo, Love and Snowfall, could also feature. Love claimed the Classic at Epsom Downs by nine lengths in 2020, while Snowfall took it up a notch with a commanding 16-length triumph this year. Order Of Australia, Bolshoi Ballet, Japan, Mother Earth, Broome, La Joconde and Santiago also feature for O'Brien, the most single entries of any handler for this year's flagship event as he looks to add to his three Hong Kong International Races victories. Japan took two out of the four features last year and the 'Land of the Rising Sun' has once again reiterated their affinity for Hong Kong with a high-class list of entrants, including Danon Smash, last year's winner of the LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint, while Loves Only You who sealed FWD Champions Day success back in April, could return for the LONGINES Hong Kong Cup. Gran Alegria, a five-time G1 winner from 1200m to 1600m in Japan, is included and could make her first tilt abroad. Glory Vase, winner of the 2019 Hong Kong Vase, has thrown his hat in the ring as have Salios, Lei Papale, Indy Champ and Lauda Sion. LONGINES Hong Kong Cup Loves Only You and Vincent Ho charged to a brilliant win in the G1 FWD QEII Cup on FWD Champions Day and Yoshito Yahagi is after more success at Sha Tin with his two-time G1-winnning mare. Her name sits alongside that of seven from trainer Aidan O'Brien, who has Bolshoi Ballet, Japan, Love, Broome, Snowfall, La Joconde and Santiago all entered. Joining Loves Only You from Japan could be Lei Papale, who was undefeated across her first six starts which included a tough G1 Osaka Hai (2000m) success before her third-placed effort to Chrono Genesis in the G1 Takarazuka Kinen (2200m) as could Gibeon, Persian Knight and Cafe Pharoah. Gran Alegria holds an option for the 10-furlong test, as do World Premiere, Glory Vase and Curren Bouquetd'or. While also from Ireland is Tarnawa, H H Aga Khan IV's top-class mare holds an entry for both the Cup and the Vase. She's a three-time G1 winner who finished a close-up second in this year's G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (2400m). France is no stranger to success in the Cup with three wins in the 10-furlong showdown thanks to Jim And Tonic (1999), Pride (2006) and Vision d'Etat (2009). This year, their assault could be spearheaded by Sealiway, winner of the British Champion Stakes earlier this month. Trainer Chris Waller has a host entries across the board with two for the Cup, headlined by Verry Elleegant, his prolific G1 winner and last year's champion of the G1 Caulfield Cup (2400m). She was crowned Australia's Racehorse of the Year (2020/21) and could bolster her resume, while Waller's other mare Hungry Heart is entered. The home team's defence features Furore, the 2019 BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) hero, Glorious Dragon and Southern Legend, while Panfield, winner of the G1 Standard Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) in May, holds an option for both the Cup and the Vase. Channel Cat – who races in the iconic Calumet Farm silks – is entered for American handler Jack Sisterson. The six-year-old claimed the G1 Man o' War Stakes (2200m) at Belmont Park in May, this year. LONGINES Hong Kong Mile Golden Sixty, winner of his last 14 consecutive races, headlines the entries for the Mile and will spearhead the local brigade. Francis Lui's six-year-old will look to defend his crown in the race, while the home team's entries also includes G1 winners Southern Legend and Waikuku, while 2021 BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) winner Sky Darci is expected to have a crack as is Ka Ying Star and More Than This. Leading the assault from overseas is Gran Alegria, Kazuo Fujisawa's crack mare and top-class winner over 1200m and 1600m. She claimed three consecutive G1s through 2020, kicking off her streak with a Yasuda Kinen (1600m) triumph ahead of the phenomenal Almond Eye. A G1 winner in the United States of America, Aidan O'Brien has his Breeders' Cup Mile winner Order Of Australia entered for a second crack at Hong Kong glory, while Mother Earth, winner of this year's G1 Prix Rothschild (1600m) at Deauville is entered. Also from Ireland, Jim Bolger's crack chestnut Mac Swiney could make his way to the 'Far East' for the Mile, while also holding a nomination for the Cup too. The son of New Approach is a two-time G1 winner and he could too be joined from Ireland by Pearls Galore for Paddy Twomey and the Joseph O'Brien-trained State Of Rest, winner of the G1 W.S. Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday (23 October) and also the G1 Saratoga Derby Invitational Stakes (1911m). Twice runner-up to Japan's Triple Crown-winning Contrail, Salios – an exceptional three-year-old last year in his own right – holds an entry for the Mile and the Cup. Indy Champ who campaigned to Hong Kong for a luckless seventh in this race two years ago when join equal favourite will look to return for another tilt at redemption, while Lauda Sion, Vollkommen, Grenadier Guards, Lotus Land and Schnell Meister hold options. LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint Champion Sprinter Hot King Prawn heads the Hong Kong nominations, along with G1 Chairman's Sprint Prize (1200m) hero Wellington, last-start G2 Premier Bowl (1200m) winner Lucky Patch as well as a host of younger exceptionally gifted adversaries: Sky Field, Naboo Attack and Courier Wonder. Bolstering the home team is Stronger, Computer Patch and Super Wealthy with one-time boom sprinter Aethero adding intrigue after lengthy stint on the sidelines. Last year's winner, Danon Smash is entered to defend his title and win a second LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint just like his sire, Lord Kanaloa who did so in 2012 and 2013. But he might not be alone from Japan, with Pixie Knight, winner of the G1 Spinters Stakes (1200m) pitted to take his exploits abroad, while Diatonic, Curren Moe, Resistencia and Shivaji also included. Australian speedster Nature Strip, a sharp six-time G1-winning sprinter who recently claimed The Everest (1200m) at Royal Randwick, is one of four entrants from Down Under, including Eduardo who finished third to Nature Strip in that race, while from Ireland trainer Adrian McGuinness has last-start G1 Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp (1000m) winner A Case Of You entered. LONGINES Hong Kong Vase Aidan O'Brien has the most LONGINES Hong Kong Vase wins in history and the Irish legend will look to further enhance that record with Mogul – last year's winner of the race – leads a charge of seven other possibilities into the 12-furlong showdown. O'Brien's hand could feature Bolshoi Ballet, Japan, Love, Snowfall, Broome, La Joconde and Santiago – all of which are also optioned for the Hong Kong Cup. While Hong Kong's leading hope is G1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup winner, Panfield, who last-start returned in fine fettle with victory in the G2 Oriental Watch 60th Anniversary Sha Tin Trophy over a mile. The Chilean Triple Crown winner also holds and option for the Cup. Against O'Brien's cavalry could be no shortage of talent; last-start G1 British Champion Stakes winner Sealiway is entered for Cedric Rossi, Ebaiyra is one of two for Alain de Royer-Dupre along with Valia, while Magny Cours could represent Andre Fabre, France's iconic 24-time champion trainer. Also for France is Sweet Lady, Eudaimonia, Monty and Bubble Gift. Frenchman Christophe Clement – who now trains in the United States – has entered Gufo, winner of the G1 Sword Dancer Stakes (2400m) at Saratoga in August this year. Japan has had no shortage of Vase winners in recent times and their charge could be led by Glory Vase, winner of this race two years ago, while Titleholder swept into calculations with victory in the G1 Kikuka Sho (Japanese St Leger) over 3000m on Sunday. The pair could be joined by Curren Bouquetd'or, World Premiere, Satono Saltus, Meiner Virtus, Uberleben, and Authority could join him. Great Britain has tasted significant success in the Vase and they have Away He Goes, Hukum, Spanish Mission and Pyledriver, a last-start G1 winner in the Coronation Cup over the Vase distance 2400m at Epsom Downs. Germany's sole entry – Sisfahan – could bring exceptional Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe form lines having finished second to Arc hero, Torquator Tasso in last month's G1 Grosser Preis von Baden (2400m). Like last year, the staging of the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races will be subject to approval by the Hong Kong SAR Government.

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‘Greatest Moment Of My Career’: Jockey Rene Piechulek Savoring Massive Arc Win With Torquator Tasso

Rene Piechulek is hoping to use his new-found fame to ride overseas over the winter after guiding Germany's Torquator Tasso to one of the biggest upset wins in Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe history.

The 34-year-old Piechulek realised “the greatest moment of my career” when the Marcel Weiss-trained, Gestut Auenquelle-owned colt stunned ParisLongchamp by defeating Tarnawa and Hurricane Lane at pari-mutuel odds of 72-1.

“It's just been amazing,” said the jockey who is now back home in Munich. “I think I have woken up now!”

Riding in the Arc for the first time, Piechulek said the key factor in his triumph, in the 100th edition of Europe's richest race, was the ground.

Reliving the race, he said: *I had a great ride. The night before I was at dinner with the trainer when we talked about the race and what we would do.

“He was drawn 12 and I wanted to stay in the outside lane and not go between horses. When we reached the stretch I had a great feeling. He was travelling so well. In the last three furlongs he was going quicker and quicker and in the last furlong I knew I was going to win.”

The four-year-old son of the late Adlerflug beat Tarnawa by three-quarters of a length with Hurricane Lane another short head back and Derby winner Adayar fourth.

“The atmosphere was amazing,” Piechulek added. “When I crossed the line everyone was screaming.

“We beat the top horses but I think we were very lucky on the day because the ground was heavy. Torquator Tasso loves heavy ground. The day before it was raining all day and all night. That was perfect for me and my horse.

“Most of the top horses had put up good performances on good or good to soft or soft, but not heavy ground.”

Piechulek didn't start riding until he began his apprenticeship aged 16, his only previous experience of horses provided by the two Friesians owned by his parents.

And having with the Arc becoming only his third G1 win, he has taken on board the post-race advice he received from Frankie Dettori: “He said 'Buddy, enjoy the moment'. That's in my head now.”

Connections have decided to decline a Japan Cup invitation for Torquator Tasso yet announced he will stay in training to target a second Arc. Piechulek is considering his own winter options.

“I have tried to get a license for the winter season somewhere, maybe to Dubai,” he said. ”We will see what happens.”

At least international jurisdictions will now know who he is.

“There are so many jockeys that haven't been able to do what I have,” he said. “I was given the chance and I did it.”

This story was reprinted with permission by Horse Racing Planet. Find the original piece and more content here.

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