Trainer Dermot Weld impressed by Harzand

Trainer Dermot Weld insists that Harzand is looking in fine shape ahead of a busy September following a short break.

The three-year-old was last in action in June but Weld believes the break has done him good ahead of two big races next month.

The brown colt, who has won four of his last five races is currently in training for the Qipco Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown on September 10, He will then be primed for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Chantilly after proving his class earlier this year.

He made his maiden appearance in 2015 and he finished fifth at Gowran Park before returning in March of this year. Harzand has since won at Cork, Leopardstown, Epsom Downs and the Curragh and Weld is adamant he looks better than ever.

“I’ve had Harzand back in for a couple of weeks and he probably looks better than ever,” he told the Telegraph.

“The present plan is that he’s likely to run at Leopardstown in the Irish Champion Stakes and then the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.”

Weld has also confirmed that Harzand’s stablemate Fascinating Rock could also run in Qipco Irish Champion Stakes.

He has not been seen since winning the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh in May and Weld admits the Juddmonte Stakes at York next week will come too soon.

The 68-year-old added: “He’s in the Juddmonte (at York next week) but isn’t quite there. He can run in the Irish Champion as well.”