By Tom Frary
The Aga Khan's Studs' Tarima (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) was a warm order for Leopardstown's opener on Sunday and the half-sister to Tarnawa (Ire) (Shamardal) and Tahiyra (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}) read the script to open her account. Sent off the 4-7 favourite, the Dermot Weld-trained newcomer delivered a flourish from rear under Chris Hayes to take command inside the final furlong and register a 1 3/4-length success from Noli Timere (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}).
“Chris hadn't planned to sit quite so far back on her, but she just got turned sideways when they jumped and he had to sit and do the right thing and ride her with confidence. It was a blessing in disguise, because he was able to drop her out and let her come home. She was a backward filly as a two-year-old and I didn't get to teach her that much as she was growing and developing. She is going to learn an awful lot from that race.”
“Each one of the sisters are different, but there is a tremendous blend of speed and stamina that runs through the family,” he added of the half-sister to the GI Breeders' Cup Turf, G1 Prix Vermeille and G1 Prix de l'Opera heroine and G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe runner-up Tarnawa and the four-times group 1-winning Irish 1,000 Guineas winner Tahiyra. “She is still babyish mentally and I expect a lot of progress. Hopefully, she develops to be a Stakes filly–I trained her two half sisters to win eight group 1's. I would see her going beyond a mile, but have an open mind on when we go beyond a mile. The Irish 1,000 Guineas has to be a consideration, but let's take smaller steps first and try and get black-type.”
This was Weld's first winner in The Aga Khan's silks since the passing of the owner-breeder and he added, “He was a wonderful supporter of me and it was a joy to train for him and have many group 1 races for him. Hopefully the family will continue to support Irish racing.” The winner, who hails from the family of the G1 Phoenix Stakes heroine Damson (Ire) (Entrepreneur {GB}), will be followed by a yearling daughter of Dubawi (Ire).
The perfect start 🟩🟥
The wonderfully-bred Tarima justifies strong market support to make a winning debut under a confident ride from @chrishayes24. @AgaKhanStuds | @LeopardstownRC pic.twitter.com/ui0p7millL
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 30, 2025
1st-Leopardstown, €15,000, Mdn, 3-30, 3yo, 8fT, 1:42.46, g/y.
TARIMA (IRE) (f, 3, Lope De Vega {Ire}–Tarana {Ire} {MSW & GSP-Ire, $141,525}, by Cape Cross {Ire}) Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $9,765. O-Exors of the Late H H Aga Khan; B-His Highness The Aga Khan's Studs S.C. (IRE); T-Dermot Weld.
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