Tarnawa (IRE)

With a huge fan base and a huge turn of foot, Tarnawa (IRE) has been a joy for racing over the past few seasons, rewarding the patience of Irish trainer Dermot Weld with Group victories in three countries, including an explosive tally in the 2020 Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) for owner-breeder HH The Aga Khan.

A daughter of late stallion Shamardal, she has been known for her quirky, high-energy personality, but has channeled that energy into brilliant victories, including the top-level wins in 2020's Prix Vermeille (G1) and Prix de l'Opera Longines (G1).

The chestnut mare has been handled meticulously in 2021, with the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1), in which she ran second on Oct. 3, and a Breeders' Cup defense precisely in mind. She kicked off the season with a victory in the Ballyroan Stakes (G3) and then was a slightly hindered second when clashing with the brilliant St Mark's Basilica (FR) in the Irish Champion Stakes (G1). She finished ahead of one of Europe's top 3-year-olds, multiple G1-winning Poetic Flare (IRE) in that race.

Earning more than $3 million and winning nine of her 17 starts, she has been yet another testament to the world-class, groundbreaking operations of her trainer and owner-breeder. She gave Weld his first Breeders' Cup win last year and HH The Aga Khan's operation its third in the Turf, following Kalanisi (IRE) in 2000 and Lashkari (GB) in the inaugural running in 1984.