Dermot Weld: Aidan O'Brien is the third turf giant I've had to compete against

Dermot Weld says competing with Aidan O'Brien on a daily basis stimulates him to work harder as he puts the finishing touches to Tarnawa ahead of her eagerly awaited showdown with St Mark's Basilica in next Saturday's Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown.

The legendary trainer was speaking as part of a major interview in Sunday's Racing Post, in which he stressed O'Brien is the latest in a long line of superpowers he has taken on, taking over the baton from Paddy 'Darkie' Prendergast and Vincent O'Brien.

'Explosive' St Mark's Basilica on track for Tarnawa clash in Irish Champion

Weld said: "I've been used to taking on the very best in the world throughout my career. I initially took on a man called Paddy Prendergast, who was three times British champion trainer when he was training from the Curragh and then Vincent O'Brien.

"I had those two giants of the turf to compete with and try to beat. I had to win my Group 1s and Classics against them. I've been used to taking on the top. All that does is stimulate you to work harder. You have to realise how competitive it is and if you want to win these Group 1s you've got to be at your best."

When asked what was the biggest change he has seen since he began training in 1972, Weld replied: "In my 50-odd years of training racehorses the single biggest change I've witnessed is Ireland becoming the powerhouse of European racing.

"Sunday racing was a big change too. Your whole lifestyle had to change – not only for yourself, but for your staff as well."

Colin Keane confident Tarnawa has the speed for St Mark's Basilica clash

One particular Sunday Weld remembers fondly was the second leg of Irish Champions Weekend at the Curragh in September of 2019. That was the day the Pat Smullen Champions Race For Cancer Trials Ireland took place, won by none other than AP McCoy on Quizical.

The trainer said: "I'll never forget looking up into the stands the day of Pat's race. The vibe and the atmosphere on that afternoon was just superb. I thought to myself, 'This is what Irish racing is all about.' We have to recapture and replay that day on an ongoing basis. Look, it won't be possible to do that all the time but I'm a firm believer that a successful Curragh can happen."

Read more from Dermot Weld in the Big Read, available online for Members' Club Ultimate subscribers from 6pm on Saturday or in Sunday's Racing Post newspaper. Join Members' Club here

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