Rene Piechulek admits he is feeling the pressure in his bid to make it a third victory for Germany in Saturday’s King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes on Torquator Tasso.
After riding last year’s shock winner of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in a 5am gallop at Mulheim racecourse on Monday, the jockey believes the five-year-old is ready to follow in the footsteps of the country’s previous Ascot victors, Danedream (2012) and Novellist (2013). Piechulek, in the saddle when Torquator Tasso was the 72-1 winner of last year’s Arc at Longchamp, said: “As there have been two German winners in the King George, it does not give me confidence – it puts pressure on!
“Three German-trained horses have won the Arc, two German horses have won the King George, now I hope to be riding the third one to win it.” Torquator Tasso recently flagged up his credentials for Ascot’s £1.25million prize, the third richest race in Britain after the Derby and Champion Stakes, when returning to winning form at Hamburg last time out after a disappointing seasonal return.
“He needed his first run, the same as last year,” added 33-year-old Piechulek, who will be having his first ride in the Ascot headliner. Now he’s in good form, the same as he felt last year before running in the Arc. “Ascot will suit him as he needs a strong pace, and the long straight will also be ideal. If he gets soft ground the better, but he’s won on good before. I spoke to Andrasch Starke who rode Danedream for advice… he said just enjoy, enjoy.”
German-born Marcel Weiss, the trainer responsible for the 10-1 shot, might struggle with his English, but made it crystal clear he is not lacking confidence.
“I was pleased with him this morning,” said Weiss, who has struck gold in only his third season training. “He galloped this morning the same way round as he will go at Ascot. He’s the same horse as last year, but to say he’s a better horse this year – he’s certainly not worse! We’d planned to aim for Ascot a couple of days after winning the Arc. We now want to go back to France and do the double.”
Weiss, from a family with no interest in racing, also showed he has earned his stripes in the fickle world of training racehorses. Last month he celebrated victory in the US with Loft at Belmont Park, but admitted that Arc glory came perilously close to slipping through his fingers.
"After Torquator Tasso won on his second start at Cologne, the Australians put in an offer but delayed following up after a veterinary examination," he explained. "When they came back with their offer, owner Gestut Auenquelle, a wealthy businessman, thankfully called off the deal."
As for more glory on Saturday, Weiss added: “We respect the opposition. “The conditions should be ideal with the rain forecast. If we get placed, we will be very happy, better than that would be crazy.” Torquator Tasso, named after the 16th century Italian poet, will face up to 13 rivals on Saturday including Westover, Emily Upjohn and Mishriff.
