Trainer Dermot Weld has reported that his dual Derby winner Harzand (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) is progressing towards his next task in the G1 Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in good order, but admitted to the Irish Times that he wished the great race was being staged at its traditional home at Longchamp rather than at Chantilly while the former venue undergoes construction.
“I would personally much prefer if the Arc was run at Longchamp,” the conditioner said. “My experience of Chantilly includes Famous Name getting beaten by a head there for the French Derby when he was drawn 17. The draw has a huge impact at Chantilly, including over a mile-and-a-half.”
Harzand won this year's G1 Investec Derby and G1 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby and was eighth in the G1 Qipco Irish Champion S. Sept. 10 after having a hind leg struck in running. Weld indicated the Aga Khan colourbearer has recovered from that ordeal and is in good order ahead of the Arc.
“[Jockey] Pat Smullen rode him for the first time since Leopardstown [on Tuesday morning],” Weld told the Irish Times. “They did a bit of work and the horse went nicely. This horse is as tough as teak, that's the great thing about him. He is a very healthy horse, both mentally and physically.”
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