Filly Tarfasha emerges as a prime mover at the Curragh

Tarfasha was considered a minor player in the Taghrooda show this week, but Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid’s filly now has the opportunity to win a Classic of her own in the Irish Oaks at the Curragh on Saturday.

Taghrooda was scratched from the Irish Oaks on Thursday in preference for next week’s King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.

It was a brave decision by the Minister of Finance, but it reflects the confidence his racing operation has in Tarfasha’s ability after she chased home Taghrooda in the English Oaks last month.

Rain is expected in Ireland overnight but Dermot Weld and Pat Smullen, the trainer and jockey, believe the beautiful chestnut filly will be able to cope as she faces up to her 10 rivals over 2,400 metres. Weld is a particular admirer and waxed lyrical about his charge.

“She’s very well, she’s in good form and hopefully we won’t get too much rain. If we get a lot of rain, then we’ll review it and see,” he said. “She’s on home territory, she’s the one.”

Angus Gold, Sheikh Hamdan’s racing manager, revealed this week that Taghrooda would be retired at the end of the season, and it seems that Tarfasha faces the same fate.

“Tarfasha is in good form, she ran a fantastic race in the Oaks and Sheikh Hamdan felt she deserved the opportunity to win an Oaks herself,” he said. “It would be very special to have two Oaks winners heading to stud. It’s special having one Oaks winner, but to have two would be amazing.”

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