The once-raced Tahiyra (100/30), a maiden winner at Galway in July, ran on impressively to take the 7-runner Group 1 Moyglare Stud Stakes at The Curragh on Sunday afternoon.
Trained by former Belmont Stakes winner Dermot Weld, the filly was ridden by Weld’s retained rider, Chris Hayes, in the colours of H. H. Aga Khan, in the seven-furlong race for two-year-old fillies.
The even-money favourite, the No Nay Never filly Meditate from Aidan O’Brien’s Ballydoyle Stables, was runner-up in the hands of Ryan Moore, two-and-a-quarter lengths behind the winner, denying O’Brien a 10th victory in the race.
Eternal Silence, a daughter of War Front, sporting the colours of the race sponsor Moyglare Stud, was third, a further four-and-a-half lengths back.
The winner Tahiyra, a daughter of Siyouni out of Tarana, is a half-sister to the Breeders’ Cup winner Tarnawa, who was also trained by Weld.
Tarnawa was a nine-time winner over one mile two furlongs and at a mile and a half. She claimed three Group 1 successes: the Prix Vermeille at ParisLongchamp, Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf at Keeneland in 2020 and at Del Mar in 2021.
Speaking after today’s two-and-a-half length victory, winning handler Dermot Weld said:
“I was a little afraid beforehand it might come a little early in her career, at Group 1 level. She learned a lot – she did it well and she has progressed. She has stamina in the pedigree and speed.”
Swiss-born Princess Zahra, daughter of the winning owner, H. H. Aga Khan, who was present at The Curragh, explained that her family is involved in racing with 100 years. She praised the coolness and confidence of winning rider Chris Hayes aboard Tahiyra:
“Dermot had given him (jockey Chris Hayes) clear instructions which he followed very well.”
Weld, the Master of Rosewell House, was also high in his praise for his stable jockey, stating:
“Chris has been riding exceptionally well for me all year. I told him to take his time, make steady progress as there was lots of place. It takes confidence,” the winning conditioner said in a matter of fact manner.
The Moyglare Stud Stakes, one of four Group 1 races on Day 2 of Longines Irish Champions Weekend, is a Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series ‘Win And You’re In’ race, Dermot Weld will not, however, aim the inexperienced juvenile at the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf at Keeneland.
Tahiyra, Siyouni’s 66th stakes winner and 7th Group 1 winner, will now sit out the remainder of the season, with her conditioner admitting that she will be rested for her three-year-old campaign in 2023.
Regarding next season, Weld said:
“We’ll review it early next spring but obviously one of the Classic Trials (would be a likely season starter) and then one of the Guineas in Ireland, England, or France but that is a long way down the line. We have lots to look forward to.”
Photo by Breandán Ó hUallacháin
