Dermot Weld eyes the Melbourne Cup for Harbour Wind

Dermot Weld eyes the Melbourne Cup for Harbour Wind after his gritty win in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Martin Molony Stakes at Limerick.

The four-year-old Nathaniel gelding hadn't raced since a Group Two runner-up in France last September. Starting as the 6-5 favourite, Harbour Wind, ridden by Chris Hayes, battled strongly with Dancing Tango to win by a short head in Moyglare Stud colours, reminiscent of Kyprios' victory in the Royal Ascot Gold Cup this week.

“It was a hard-fought victory under a superb ride from Chris Hayes,” Weld commented, “We'll assess his recovery and discuss future plans with the owner. This race will sharpen him up, and I believe he'll perform better over longer distances."

“While the Melbourne Cup is on my mind, it's still early days, and he needs to progress,” he continued.

Reflecting on the race, Weld added, “It's been a while since I visited Limerick. Winning this race is always special; Martin Molony, who rode my parents' first winner in the 1950s, has a significant connection here.”