After a series of Group-level placings, Tashi has finally claimed a well-deserved breakthrough victory, taking out the Group 1 Tattersall’s Tiara (1400m) at Eagle Farm with authority.
Before Saturday’s triumph, the Peter Snowden-trained mare had not won since landing a benchmark 88 at Randwick in March 2024. Since then, she had consistently performed at blacktype level, notching seven placings.
Among those efforts was a narrow defeat in the Group 2 Dane Ripper Stakes (1300m) on June 14 behind Floozie. But this time, Tashi turned the tables in style, surging clear under Tom Sherry to win by two lengths.
While $3.20 betting companies favourite Floozie kicked for home early, Sherry had given Tashi a perfect run just off the pace. She pounced at the top of the straight and quickly asserted dominance, with Abounding ($19) and Olentia ($31) finishing second and third as Floozie faded to fifth.
Co-trainer Peter Snowden, who previously won the race with Tycoon Tara in 2017 alongside son Paul, was full of praise for the mare’s resilience and effort.
“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.”
Indeed, for 26-year-old Tom Sherry, it was a career-defining moment. His previous best effort in a Group 1 came when finishing third on Firm Agreement in the Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) last year.
“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.”
If you’re looking to back future Group 1 winners like Tashi, explore the best platforms for racing punters at Just Horse Racing.