By Duane Fonseca
Dermot Weld claimed a sixth 1000 Guineas title after his favourite Tahiyra won without much fuss under Chris Hayes at The Curragh.
Sat at the inside rail in a prominent position, Hayes waited for room before unleashing the Siyouni filly, who obliged with a solid turn of foot to kick clear. Aidan O’Brien’s Meditate, the ride of Ryan Moore, challenged, but in vain, finishing a length and a half behind. A further head back in third was Comhra for Jim Bolger and Rory Cleary.
It was Weld’s sixth title and his second straight after winning last year’s edition with Homeless Songs, who was also ridden by Hayes.
Weld said: “She was in a pocket, but when you have a very good horse they have the pace to get out of that pocket. I was always comfortable.
“The plan was to hold onto her and ride her for speed. My only concern was whether she would let herself down on the quick ground. They have done a good job here.
“We’ll see how she comes out of this race and obviously we will think about the Coronation Stakes.
“She is a very talented filly. My only concern was the draw to be quite honest with you, in case it was a very slow pace and she got locked away.
“Everything went according to plan. We had a good discussion, but everything went according to plan. It was very satisfying.”
Meanwhile, Paddy Twomey and William Lee combined to land the Group 2 Lanwades Stud Stakes over a mile, Just Beautiful winning with an absolutely gritty performance to beat Joseph O’Brien’s Jumbly, the ride of Ryan Moore, by two and a quarter lengths. A further three fourths back in third was Insinuendo for Willy McCreery and Declan MecDonogh.
