Leopardstown Results Sat, 10th Sep, 2016

See also » Almanzor wins the Champion for the French
He's a fantastic horse. I was very relaxed like him in the first part of the race. When I saw him coming on the outside I thought he could challenge for the victory and he did. He doesn't look very tired after the race. Christophe told me it was quite an easy race for him. After Qemah we were a bit disappointed and I told him only one word - relax. When your horse is relaxed you can finish and that was not the case with Qemah. She was in the middle of the pack and she couldn't finish like we hoped she would. He looks to have had quite an easy race, but it's a race, and it was a good one. When I saw the field before the race with all these champions I thought 7/1 was a bit too much. But after the race I think the betting was good. We'll see now if he goes to Ascot or for the Arc. We'll decide after a good night. For me at the beginning we chose this race because I thought he was more a mile-and-a-quarter horse but with the champions you can do anything. J C Rouget, trainer

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Harzand, trained by D. K. Weld, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to have been struck into behind. P.J. Smullen, rider of Harzand, trained by D. K. Weld, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount met with interference early in the race but could not hold his position thereafter and ran flat. The Stewards enquired into an incident at the bend soon after the start involving Highland Reel, ridden by C. O'Donoghue, placed seventh, Harzand, ridden by P.J. Smullen, placed eighth and Hawkbill (USA), ridden by W. Buick, placed ninth, where it appeared that both Harzand and Hawkbill (USA) checked. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards based on all the evidence available were unable to apportion blame to any rider and therefore took no further action . Mr. Neville O'Byrne, Acting Steward, absented himself from this enquiry. S. Foley, rider of Success Days trained by K.J. Condon, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount found the ground too quick for him in the straight.

For three yrs old and upwards
Weights - 3-y-o 9st; 4-y-o and up 9st 7lb; Fillies allowed 3lb