26-04-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
‘Amazing' Goliath ready to rumble ahead of QE II Cup battle
Francis-Henri Graffard believes his 'amazing' Goliath can gain some revenge against Japanese opposition in a Group One QE II Cup (2,000m) loaded with internationals at Sha Tin on Sunday.
French trainer Graffard enjoyed a stellar 2024 with Goliath, who produced a scintillating performance to beat subsequent Group One Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (2,400m) winner Bluestocking and Group One Breeders' Cup Turf (2,400m) victor Rebel's Romance in the Group One King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot (2,400m) last July.
He backed that up with a win in the Group Two Prix du Conseil de Paris (2,200m) before being left frustrated by an extremely slow pace in the Group One Japan Cup (2,400m), where he wasn't able to land a blow.
Graffard arrived in Hong Kong just hours before Goliath's Friday morning work and was very pleased by what he saw.
'He looked great – a bit light,' said Graffard. 'He lost a bit of weight during transport but he's back on his feed now. He looked well under the saddle on the track, my team here are very happy with him, so I'm pleased.
Wow! Goliath produces a superb performance to land the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes at @Ascot for @CSoumillon and @GraffardRacing... — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) July 27, 2024
'We questioned ourselves about coming here in December after Japan, but it was his first long journey and we knew we had a strong season to look forward to this year. We didn't want to upset him too much so we decided to build the season by starting here in April.
'The idea was to go to Japan last time and get a good pace, but we were stuck on the rail and it went against my horse on the day. He still managed to run decently so we weren't too disappointed – it was always the plan to drop him in distance to start the season.'
The question of whether the 2,000m distance will be enough for the long-striding Goliath has been much debated, but Graffard is confident lightening will not strike twice and he will get the pace he needs to pounce.
Plenty of that belief is due to jockey Belgian jockey Christophe Soumillon, who has partnered Goliath in his last three runs.
That can be no surprise, as Soumillon has been sensational across the globe – winning 121 races in Hong Kong, including the Group One Hong Kong Mile on two occasions.
'He should get a pace – and when he gets a pace he's a very impressive horse,' said Graffard. 'When things go his way, like everyone saw in the King George, he's an amazing horse.
'Christophe knows the horse well, he nearly went forward to lead in the Japan Cup but he didn't have the chance. Anything is possible with him, he's not a difficult ride but he's tricky.
'It's a long season so I don't want him to be too strong in front – I would much prefer to see him finish well.'
This year's QE II Cup is a truly international affair, with six of the 11-strong field coming from France, Japan, Bahrain and New Zealand.
Last year's second Prognosis, Tastiera and Liberty Island make up a strong Japanese contingent and although aware of the task, Graffard believes his horse has what it takes to gain a small bit of revenge after his frustrating Japan Cup run.
'Everywhere we go in the world now, it seems the main opposition is Japanese horses,' said Graffard. 'They have unbelievable breeds and fantastic racehorses.
'We'll see how it goes, but I have a lot of belief in my horse. When he's at his best and everything goes his way, he's a very good horse.'
Goliath has gained a fan club for his fascinating stringhalt gait, a neurological condition that sees him exaggerate his action on his hind legs.
The condition is clearly no hindrance, though it has given the trainer some heart-stopping moments.
'I remember at Royal Ascot in the paddock he was doing it with both legs and I was like 'oh my God',' said Graffard. 'When he canters and accelerates, he's impressive.
'The mechanics are good, it's just at his walk. Sometimes he does it and sometimes he doesn't – it's why he's such a personality.'
