Harzand can still prove big force in the Arc

Pattern race wins on the Dermot Weld - trained pair Zhukova and Shamreen were the highlights of Pat Smullen's Irish Champions weekend. Throw in Harzand's below par performance, for which apparently there were legitimate reasons. So Ireland's eight-time champion jockey, who is closing in on another title has plenty to reflect on from the action at Leopardstown on Saturday and the Curragh. Senior correspondent Tony O'Hehir caught up with the Offaly-man.

Tony O'Hehir Before we chat about Harzand, you rode two Group race winners on Irish Champions weekend. Let's start with Zhukova who looked good in winning the KPMG Enterprise Stakes at Leopardstown.

Pat Smullen She's a very smart filly. Her form early in the season was good, beating Success Days and Found at the Curragh before winning the Blue Wind Stakes at Naas by seven and a half lengths. It was always the plan to give her a summer break and bring her back for an autumn campaign. We were very hopeful going into the Leopardstown race and she won very nicely.