'You can never replace him' - Marcel Weiss hails retiring hero Torquator Tasso

Marcel Weiss is ready to begin the search for a new stable star, although he says last year's Arc hero Torquator Tasso will be irreplaceable.

On Tuesday evening it was announced the five-year-old was to be retired to Gestut Auenquelle after putting up a huge effort in defence of his title when a fast-closing third under Frankie Dettori on Sunday.

Before Sunday's race, the options had been narrowed down to immediate retirement for Torquator Tasso, or one last hurrah in the Japan Cup.

Weiss said: "It had already been decided that Mr Endres [part-owner Peter-Michael] would come by the yard two days after the Arc, as he does every Tuesday to see his horses.

Torquator Tasso (yellow silks) chases home Alpinista and Vadeni in Sunday's ArcCredit: Edward Whitaker

"He said on Sunday that we should discuss it together when he came over and so we talked about the future together yesterday. There wasn't really a lot to discuss as we both had the same opinion; we both wanted to take the decision in the best interests of the horse."

Torquator Tasso retires to Auenquelle as the winner of three Group 1s in addition to being placed in the King George, the Arc and the Deutsches Derby, and is the record prize-money winner in the history of German racing with a haul of €4.2 million.

Saddled with a near-impossible draw in stall 18 of 20 on Sunday, he and Dettori posted the fastest final three furlongs of the entire field, while France Galop tracking showed the pair had travelled 6.9 metres further than Alpinista to be beaten less than three-quarters of a length.

"I am very proud and also very relieved that he ran so well and that everything has gone smoothly throughout the season," said Weiss.

Marcel Weiss with his Arc hero Torquator Tasso at home in MulheimCredit: Racing Post/Scott Burton

"My dream was for him to make the first three in this year’s Arc and the way he ran makes me just as proud as the fact he finished so close to the first and second. I was so happy with the performance."

Weiss only graduated from assistant trainer to licence-holder at Auenquelle's Stall Diana stable in Mulheim at the start of 2020, at which stage Torquator Tasso was an unraced three-year-old.

“It's all about this horse," said Weiss. "He has been part of the team since I began training in my own name and I have a very special connection with him. He will leave a huge void in the stable and now I have to focus on trying to find a horse that might be as good as him.

"It might not happen very fast but hopefully we can find a horse that can tread the same path as him. You can never replace Torquator Tasso, he has done so much for the sport here, for the country even. I realise that it's been a wonderful story."

Weiss added: "The most important thing is that he heads off to stud in great shape and I think he has the right temperament to be a very good stallion. He is unwavering and he has the character of a real racehorse, as well as being exceptionally sound. He has everything going for him."

Trainer Marcel Weiss congratulates Andrasch Starke after Loft wins the Belmont Gold CupCredit: NYRA/Janet Garaguso

Weiss and his team will not have long to feel wistful at the prospect of Torquator Tasso leaving the yard, with Belmont Gold Cup winner Loft bound for the Melbourne Cup.

Purchased after his US success by Aziz 'Ozzie' Kheir and U Man Bun Lee, Loft is set to be partnered by James McDonald at Flemington and Weiss is due to head to Australia to supervise the last two weeks of preparation personally.

"I have to thank the owners for placing their trust in me and allowing me to keep training Loft," said Weiss. “I feel very lucky to have a runner in the Melbourne Cup, which is a very special race.

“We want to go there and win. He is a super horse for this type of race and the ambition is for him to put up the best possible performance."

Read more:

'It's been marvellous' - Prescott's finest hour as awesome Alpinista lands Arc

'I thought we might get there' - Dettori reflects on valiant Torquator Tasso run (£)

The winning connections of shock Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe hero Torquator Tasso

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