Big-race autumn dates now await for David Menuisier’s charge.
Tamfana Triumphs in Sky Bet Atalanta Stakes with Impressive Display
Sandown, September 5, 2024 – Tamfana, ridden by jockey Oisin Murphy and trained by David Menuisier, made a commanding statement in the Sky Bet Atalanta Stakes at Sandown, underlining her elite pedigree with a dominant performance. Despite stepping down in class and distance from her previous outings, Tamfana’s class shone through as she cruised to victory in the prestigious race.
Having previously competed in the Group One Grand Prix de Paris over 12 furlongs, where she finished a credible fourth, Tamfana returned to a mile distance—a shift that required a significant adjustment. However, her impressive track record, including a notable fourth in the 1000 Guineas and a third place in the Prix de Diane, made her the one to beat.
The result was never in doubt as Murphy expertly managed Tamfana’s run, conserving her energy until the crucial moment. Approaching the final stretch, Murphy let Tamfana unleash her formidable speed, overtaking the leader Spiritual with apparent ease. Tamfana’s winning margin was a comfortable two and three-quarter lengths ahead of Doha, the 13-8 favourite.
Far too good ⬜️🟩
Tamfana runs away with the Group 3 @SkyBet Atalanta Stakes to complete a double for @oismurphy.@Sandownpark | @DavidMenuisier pic.twitter.com/uJbZNso0Sv
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 31, 2024
Menuisier was understandably delighted with the performance, stating, "I'm absolutely thrilled. She has won with the style we anticipated, even though she was coming off a break. The form was there, and she delivered exactly what we were hoping for."
Menuisier, who had been cautious about the potential challenges Tamfana might face, also highlighted the significance of the victory. "Winning today was crucial. The pressure was on, and with her previous Group One experiences, we needed her to perform. The race unfolded perfectly, which is always a relief."
Looking ahead, Tamfana’s future plans are wide open. She is set to be entered in the Sun Chariot and the Prix de l'Opera, both scheduled for October, offering exciting prospects for her next appearances. Additionally, the QEII is also a potential target, emphasizing her versatility and adaptability across various ground conditions.
"Tamfana is a remarkably versatile horse. She can handle good ground, quick conditions, heavy, and all-weather surfaces. We haven’t tested her on dirt yet, but that remains an option," Menuisier added, hinting at a potentially exciting autumn campaign for the four-year-old.
The Sky Bet Atalanta Stakes victory marks a significant step in Tamfana’s career, setting the stage for her next high-profile challenges. As she continues to impress on the track, racing fans and connections alike will be eagerly anticipating her future performances.
He went on: "I've enjoyed her since day one and she has been challenging at times, but rewarding and then frustrating and then rewarding again.
"She has a very strong personality and she is not easy to train everyday but at the end of the day, they need to have a bit of spark if they are good – Wonderful Tonight was the same. If she doesn't want you in her box, she won't let you.
"She is fantastic and I am lucky to have three, four, five high-class horses and they are the ones you look forward to all your life. It is a dream come true to train horses like that."
Murphy added: "She has plenty of class and it was all very smooth. That's the beauty with her, she is so rideable.
"Speaking to David, maybe she will stay at a mile now, I don't know what mile race. She's versatile and handles dig in the ground well. David and the owners will decide where she goes and they will have a good think about it.
"She didn't stay in the Grand Prix de Paris which was my fault, as I thought she would stay 12 furlongs. She doesn't and thanks have to go to connections for retaining the faith and allowing me to get the job done this afternoon.
"One thing to note today was that she was always comfortable against some speedy types over a mile."
