Irish Champion Stakes on the cards after stylish return to action from Tarnawa

Tarnawa made an impressive winning start to a season geared around the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe with victory in the Grant Thornton Ballyroan Stakes at Leopardstown on Thursday.

The Dermot Weld-trained five-year-old was cut across the board to 6-1 (from 8) for the Arc following her easy Group 3 success under Colin Keane, with the Irish Champion Stakes likely to be her next target.

Held up a little way off the pace, the three-time Group/Grade 1 winner hit a flat spot briefly before they turned in, but she was quickly back on the bridle and strode clear inside the final furlong to beat Silence Please by six and a half lengths, with the remainder 13 lengths or more further back.

Ballyroan Stakes result and replay

Keane said: "That was impressive for a filly who wouldn't have been cooked at all. Fitness was one of our biggest worries coming here. They went an even gallop and I gave her a chance to warm into it. She had a nice blow before turning in and again after the line, so there's plenty to work on.

"It's good to see her class is still there. She's definitely a stronger filly physically than last year."

Tarnawa rose up the ranks in an extraordinary campaign last season, landing the Prix Vermeille and Prix de l'Opera before toppling the likes of Magical and Lord North in the Breeders' Cup Turf.

Weld said: "I thought she was very impressive. Today was the intended day to start, because it's a long way from now to November and there are a lot of bridges to cross. We could have waited for the Give Thanks Stakes at Cork on Saturday but with the possibility of heavy rain we thought it more prudent to come here.

"She has done all of her work at home. I would have loved to get her away two weeks ago but it just wasn't possible. She has been going extremely well at home and has probably strengthened since last year."

Tarnawa: cut to 7-1 for the Arc after scoring by six and a half lengths on her comebackCredit: Patrick McCann

Weld revealed the Group 1 Irish Champion Stakes on September 12 is the most likely next target.

He said: "It's a long season, but where she runs between now and the Arc will be the decision. At the moment I'd say the Irish Champion Stakes would be the most likely. The Breeders' Cup and Japan Cup come later in November and December, and please God there are many more months to come. But the Arc has always been the plan – it's the reason she stayed in training."

Snowfall remains the 100-30 favourite for the Arc and Weld believes Tarnawa will need to be better than ever to repeat last year's heroics.

He said: "She was brilliant last year and hopefully she will be equally brilliant this year. She will have to be, because if anything she'll be facing a stronger team of horses. She beat some very good horses last year, colts and fillies, but this year's crop is outstanding."

'She looks the most complete Arc contender'

The Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe had already been shaping up to be the race of the season and Tarnawa's smooth comeback has added further lustre to the star-studded attraction.

Dermot Weld tried to temper expectations before her first start in nearly 39 weeks, warning that she wasn't as forward as in other seasons when making a winning return, but no-one could have asked for much more from the Aga Khan's star mare.

There was no sign whatsoever that she has lost any of her ability and this was more impressive than many would have envisaged beforehand, for all that she had a straightforward assignment on ratings.

Given her versatility in terms of ground, having won on heavy at Longchamp before scoring on firm at Keeneland in her last two starts of 2020, she looks the most complete Arc contender, although that view was formed on evidence prior to this display.

Weld has yet to win the Irish Champion Stakes and the prospect of a clash with St Mark's Basilica back at Leopardstown next month is one to savour, although Tarnawa does look more at home over 1m4f.

So much to look forward to as the various generations gear up to do battle.
Mark Boylan

Read more:

Circuit judge overruled in claim his horse should have been awarded Sandown race

Mickaelle Michel taking inspiration from Hollie Doyle ahead of Shergar Cup

New option for Palace Pier as Qipco British Champions Day entries are revealed

USA, Hong Kong and Bahrain all possible destinations for globetrotting Bangkok

Watch live races through the Racing Post. Log in to your bookmaker account and look on the racecards for eligible races. Click the red 'Watch live now' icon and they're off! Find out how here