Trainer Dermot Weld insists that Harzand is looking in good shape ahead of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Chantilly next week.

The three-year-old could only finish in eighth on his last run at Leopardstown but connections confirmed he had suffered a sore hind leg.

He was declared lame and his chances of competing in France were in doubt but Weld confirmed last week that he was slowly improving.

The brown colt has already raced five times this season, winning four of them on the bounce to grab the headlines.

Connections will be hoping the son of Sea The Stars can continue to improve in the coming days and Weld insists he looked good on the gallops on Tuesday.

Despite being confident of Harzand’s fitness, Weld insists he is not a fan of the race being held at Chantilly.

He told the Irish Times: “I would personally much prefer if the Arc was run at Longchamp.

“My experience of Chantilly includes Famous Name getting beaten by a head there for the French Derby when he was drawn 17.

The draw has a huge impact at Chantilly, including over a mile and a half. “Pat Smullen rode him for the first time since Leopardstown (on Tuesday morning).

They did a bit of work and the horse went nicely. This horse is as tough as teak, that’s the great thing about him.

“He is a very healthy horse, both mentally and physically.”