Tarnawa could be set for defence of Breeders' Cup Turf title at Del Mar following Arc second at ParisLongchamp; five-year-old claimed Turf crown in 2020 at Keeneland; Dermot Weld-trained mare finished close second to St Mark's Basilica in Irish Champion Stakes
Monday 4 October 2021 16:45, UK
Dermot Weld's Tarnawa could defend her Breeders' Cup Turf crown after being edged out in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe on Sunday.
Connections will give the five-year-old mare time to recover from her exertions as a three-quarter length runner-up at ParisLongchamp on Sunday before any decisions are made.
Tarnawa put in a strong challenge in the final furlong but could not quite hold German raider Torquator Tasso, who passed her close home to spring a huge shock and claim the coveted spoils.
"Tarnawa is tired, but you'd have to be so proud of the effort she has put in," said Kris Weld, assistant to his father.
"She was in the form of her life, we knew that, and she represented us so well.
"Torquator Tasso's form was very good and was there for all to see. He wasn't running just because it was the Arc, and it was a very good renewal of the race.
"We'll see how she comes out of the race, and the Breeders' Cup is a distinct possibility, having won it last year. We'll take it one day at a time, and there is no talk about next year yet."
Tarnawa was queen of Keeneland last November when she beat Magical by a length to win the Breeders' Cup Turf and complete a hat-trick of Group One successes to go through 2020 unbeaten in four races.
The daughter of Shamardal made a belated reappearance when winning the Group Three Ballyroan Stakes at Leopardstown in August, followed by a narrow defeat to St Mark's Basilica in the Irish Champion Stakes over the same course last month.
