Harzand digs deep to leave Dermot Weld dreaming of Arc glory

Fears the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby would devolve into a small-field, modest renewal were allayed when Epsom hero Harzand and third-placed Idaho were declared to run.

And their participation, and the resultant race, which featured stunning performances from horses and riders, provided everything the crowd of 18,244 came to see on Saturday afternoon at the Curragh.

The Dermot Weld-trained Harzand, easy to back midweek, amidst concerns the race was coming too soon after Epsom, was strong in the day-of-race market, resulting in Idaho drifting in the other direction.