Classy Tahiyra takes Matron Stakes at Leopardstown
Tahiyra stamped her class on the Coolmore America "Justify" Matron Stakes at Leopardstown with a fourth Group One victory for Dermot Weld and Chris Hayes.
Off the track on a mid-season break since impressing in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot, Weld had brought the Aga Khan-owned three-year-old along steadily for her autumn targets.
Hayes had her in the perfect spot throughout and having entered the turn for home in fourth position, she arrived on the quarters of Zarinsk still on the bridle with only Just Beautiful to catch.
She soon quickened past Paddy Twomey's runner and Hayes was able to enjoy the final half a furlong, saluting the crowd as she crossed the line.
Tom Clover’s Rogue Millennium outran her 12-1 odds, closing into second, narrowly catching Just Beautiful, but neither were a match for the 5-6 favourite as she won by an eased-down length and a quarter.