Weld confirms Harzand for Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe

Trainer Dermot Weld had confirmed dual derby winner Harzand should be fit enough to race in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe next month.

The Sea The Stars colt was declared lame on Saturday after he was struck during the Irish Champion Stakes.

He eventually finished eighth out of 12 runners and his participation in the rest of the season appeared uncertain following the injury.

Connections had been hoping to run him in next month’s big race after a stellar season but the injury cast their plans into doubt.

However, Weld now claims that the three-year-old is making “good progress” and will be fit enough to take his place in the Arc line-up at Chantilly on October 2.

He told the Daily Mirror: “We will have him back on Monday – that’s the plan. He doesn’t need antibiotics and his leg will heal in the next couple of days.

“What happened was a total accident – a horse behind just ran into the tail end of him.

But he’s a brave horse, he’s making good progress and he’ll be back for the Arc.”

The brown colt came fifth on his debut in 2015, but he has enjoyed a sublime campaign so far, winning four races in a row at Cork, Leopardstown, Epsom Downs and the Curragh.

Harzand is currently available at odds of 13.00 with Dafabet to win the Arc but he will be up against a strong field in a few weeks time.

Postponed is the current ante-post favourite, while the likes of Almanzor, Found, Minding, Fascinating Rock and US Army Ranger are all entered.