Races
LEOPARDSTOWN | Tarnawa on course for Irish Champion Stakes
The former Oaks contender aims to land a fifth straight success for Dermot Weld at Leopardstown in ten days’ time
Dermot Weld’s supermare Tarnawa is being targeted for the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown later this month, with the contest being a potential stepping stone to the Arc.
The five-year-old has been majorly impressive since returning to action back in August 2020, landing three Group 1 successes including the Prix de l’Opera and the Breeders’ Cup Turf.
The Shamardal mare made light work of her opponents on her return in August, storming home to win by six and a half lengths in the Ballyroan Stakes at Leopardstown.
Colin Keane is pencilled in to take the ride in the 1m2f contest and he stated his expectations when speaking to the Racing Post.
“Tarnawa is coming back a couple of furlongs and that shouldn’t be a problem.
“She’s not slow, she travels strongly and has a good turn of foot over a mile and a half.
“Dropping back to ten furlongs won’t be much of an issue.”
French Guineas and Derby winner St Mark’s Basilica and 2000 Guineas and St James’s Palace Stakes winner Poetic Flare could also line up in a mouthwatering clash in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown.
