Star Harzand survives cut to hit heights
HARZAND survived an 11th hour injury scare to net an Investec Derby gamble – and fill one of the few voids on master trainer Dermot Weld’s CV.
In transit from Weld’s base at the Curragh, Co Kildare, to Epsom, the Aga Khan’s colt ripped off one of his shoes, sustaining a cut when a nail pricked his foot.
As Weld and his veterinary team battled to save Harzand’s place in the Epsom line- up, punters – oblivious to the drama – backed the son of 2009 Derby hero Sea The Stars from morning odds of 14-1 to 13-2.
And both received their reward as Pat Smullen’s partner repelled Ryan Moore and 7-2 favourite US Army Ranger on the run from the furlong pole to the post to score by a length and a half and give his 79- year- old ownerbreeder, forever linked with the legendary but ill-fated Shergar, a fifth Derby.
US Army Ranger’s stablemate Idaho came third, a length and a quarter further back.
“It was pretty chaotic – he was a very doubtful runner,” said Weld, whose 23 European Classic triumphs running up to yesterday did not include the world’s greatest Flat race.
“When he got to the airport, he stood on himself, pulled the racing plate off, and drew blood.
“His foot was very sore. We poulticed him, put him in ice, and I said, ‘He’s got to pass three tests.’
“At 2pm, he jogged out, perfectly sound. Then, with the saddle on, he jogged out, perfectly sound.
“The final test has got to be Pat Smullen’s call, and I said to Pat, ‘If you’re not happy at the start, withdraw him.’
“But he trotted out sound, and here we are,” added the trainer, whose global victories include two Melbourne Cups and a leg of the American Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes.
Weld, 67, who began training in 1972, feared the first Saturday in June would be too soon for his slow learner, but went on: “He worked at the Curragh the other day and we were delighted.
“When they start improving, they keep improving.”
Weld’s long-time ally Smullen, also savouring his first taste of Derby glory, admitted an unseasonably wet week in Surrey had turned the going to Harzand’s liking.
“The rain gods helped us – when we got the rain we knew we were in business,” said the jockey, whose mount will lock horns with US Army Ranger in the Irish Derby at the Curragh on June 25.
“It was one of those races where everything went according to plan – wh en Ry a n challenged, I could feel him pick up again underneath me.”