Weld remains on weather watch for Harzand and Fascinating Rock

The mouthwatering prospect of Dermot Weld's two classiest colts Harzand and Fascinating Rock locking horns in the Qipco Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown on Saturday is a distinct possibility according to the trainer – but the weather will be the deciding factor.

Dual Derby winner Harzand and Fascinating Rock, who has also won two Group 1s, appreciate cut in the ground and Weld said on Sunday: “I'd like to run both my colts and hopefully I will. However, it will depend on what the weather does.

"I was pleased to see the rain coming yesterday but the forecast is giving unseasonably high temperatures this week, particularly at night, and we'll just have to wait and see what happens. There's no point making firm plans now and we'll just have to see what way the ground is going to be.”