Tashi has broken a string of placings in Group races with a dominant victory in the Group 1 Tattersall’s Tiara (1400m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Prior to the victory, Tashi’s last win came in a benchmark 88 at Randwick in March 2024 and in that time, the Peter Snowden trained mare raced exclusively at blacktype level, placing in seven.
That included a narrow defeat to Floozie in the Group 2 Dane Ripper Stakes (1300m) on June 14, but Tashi was able to turn the tables and then some, running out an easy two-length winner under Tom Sherry.
While $3.20 betting companies favourite Floozie went for home early in the straight, Tashi ($7.50) had been afforded a beautiful trail by Sherry and quickly pounced as Floozie faded to finish fifth, Abounding ($19) and Olentia ($31) getting home for the minor placings.
Peter Snowden, who won the race in partnership with son Paul with Tycoon Tara in 2017, said the win was thoroughly deserved.
“She’s been tremendous all prep, so nobody could begrudge her the win,” Snowden said.
“She kept putting her hand up every start, so I’m really proud of her.
“There were no half measures today, she won dominantly. She kept getting beaten short half heads, it was a tremendous run last week in the Dane Ripper, I think this is her 11th run this campaign so huge credit to her.”
“Tom (Sherry) rode her an absolute peach today, I think it’s his first Group One so I’m so pleased for him and the mare.”
Sherry’s previous best result in a Group One had been a third placing aboard Firm Agreement in the Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) last year, the twenty six-year-old’s first win at the highest level coming at his 20th attempt.
“It’s been a long time coming for me,” Sherry said.
“The stars aligned today, and I can’t thank Peter and his team enough. It’s been a long road and it’s been a tough year, but moments like this make it all worthwhile.
“When I came up outside Abounding, I got the jitters and went full bore.
“I’ve worked really hard to get here. Winning a Group One for a lad from Ireland is a very big deal for me.
“I’m so proud of this mare and it feels like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders. Things like this don’t happen to people like me, so I’m delighted.”
