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| Staff Writer |
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Tahiyra showcased her dominance in the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown, securing her fourth Group One victory. As the winner of this season's Irish 1,000 Guineas and Coronation Stakes, she was the clear favorite at odds of 5/6. Her stablemate, Homeless Songs, unfortunately had to withdraw from the race due to being in season.
Tahiyra initially trailed in fourth place as the race entered its final quarter mile. However, she quickly surged forward, positioning herself closely behind Just Beautiful as the competition intensified. In the final furlong, jockey Chris Hayes skillfully guided her past Just Beautiful, propelling her to victory by a length and a quarter.
A British invader, Rogue Millenium, managed to secure second place with odds of 12/1, finishing half a length ahead of Just Beautiful, who had odds of 6/1.
Dermot Weld said, “No matter how many Group Ones you're fortunate in life to win, that will always go down as a special one for us.”
“All the pressure was on this filly, she'd won the Guineas and won at Royal Ascot. Some of the other fillies she'd beaten had fallen by the wayside, but she keeps winning.
Unleashing The Prowess: A Triumph At Leopardstown
“Leopardstown has been very lucky for me and the way to ride Leopardstown, like most tracks, is to just keep it simple, to ride her with confidence.
“We knew there would be a good pace on, they are very good fillies and it was an excellent renewal of the race, I'm sure the time is good. She's a very talented filly.
“She was 8-10 kilos heavier today than when she won at Royal Ascot and I was just very happy when I saw Chris cruising there on the outside.
“I said to just take your time and gradually get there, that's what he did.
“She's an amazing animal and I've a wonderful team and it's great for them. We've lots to look forward to with her.
“I said it was one day at a time with her and we'll see how she comes out of the race. Obviously the Breeders' Cup has to be a possibility and a decision will be made on whether she's kept in training for next year. There is lots to looks forward to.”
Hayes added,"I absolutely love her to bits!
"She just cruised up behind them and I just was adamant that I didn't want to get caught down the fence. I angled out behind Colin (Keane on Zarinsk and then I looked up and we were only after passing the two (pole) and I said 'Oh God I'm going to get here an hour too soon!'
"You saw her there, it took me down to the mile and one to pull her up. She's just having fun, she is having some craic when she hits the front. She's the same at home.
"It sounds mad, but I learned here from a maiden three weeks ago. I gave one a hash of a ride in a maiden and I got boxed in trying to be too clever. The boss (Weld) said to me you don't do that around Leopardstown.
"That's all that was playing on my mind after going a furlong - get out and give her room. She can really stretch, so you are learning something new every day.
"She knows they are all here for her.
"When you get opportunities like this, you can't miss. There's a lot of faith and trust put into me for a filly like this and connections like these, Moyglare Stud and team Rosewell - you have to get it right when it counts."