Success breeds success as Weld looks to conquer final frontier

In the autumn of a career that has been defined by trailblazing international exploits, Dermot Weld will today endeavour to finally plunder the autumn pinnacle of a modern international Flat scene that he has played such a pivotal role in shaping.

France on the first Sunday in October is one of the few remaining outposts that a man who can safely be described as one of the sport’s greatest innovators has yet to conquer. In his mind’s eye, Weld will have envisaged the sacking of Longchamp rather than Chantilly.

At this stage, 44 years into a swashbuckling career that has seen him traverse every last corner of the planet in the quest to claim previously uncharted territory and relieve disbelieving locals of their most cherished spoils, the Curragh genius will take what’s going.