Harzand sole Weld runner as Almanzor team delay withdrawal

Irish Champion Stakes hero Almanzor remained a tantalising part of Sunday’s Arc puzzle yesterday after featuring among 19 horses to survive the first forfeit stage, although connections remain committed to waiting for the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot 13 days later.

More certainty emerged over the Irish challenge, with Harzand coming through his Curragh workout with flying colours, while stablemate Fascinating Rock will wait for Ascot, a decision that leaves Frankie Dettori searching for a ride.

Trainer Jean-Claude Rouget has consistently maintained that the Champion Stakes over a mile and a quarter is the race for Almanzor and has not changed his mind since the stable’s Arc hope, La Cressonniere, picked up a minor injury at the weekend.