Pat Smullen: It’s all systems go for Harzand

Pat Smullen has confirmed that it’s all systems go for Harzand to make his bid for a famous Derby double at The Curragh on Saturday.

The Epsom victor has overcome not just the exertions of a hard-fought victory over US Army Ranger, who is likely to reoppose in the €1.5m Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby, but the injury suffered on the morning of the race when he stepped on a nail after spreading a plate, threatening his participation in the race.

“Every day has been better since the race” said Smullen of the Dermot Weld-trained colt during a visit to his local national schools in Ballybryan and Rhode yesterday.