Connections of Goliath have renewed the call for geldings to be permitted to run in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1) after confirming that the talented 4-year-old will not run again before an ambitious international campaign next year.
The 4-year-old, who is owned by John Stewart's Resolute Racing and Philip Baron von Ullmann, will return to France rather than contest next month's Hong Kong Vase (G1) after finishing sixth in the Nov. 24 Japan Cup (G1).
Goliath produced one of the performances of the season for trainer Francis Graffard when winning the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1) by 2 1/4 lengths in July from subsequent Arc winner Bluestocking.
"Goliath has exited his recent race in excellent condition," Stewart posted on the social media platform X. "After thorough discussions with Francis Graffard and the Resolute Racing team, we've concluded that he merits a period of rest. We'll be returning him to France as we prepare for a campaign aimed at showcasing him on a global scale in 2025.
"We urge France Galop to permit Goliath, along with all geldings, to participate in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Horse racing enthusiasts deserve to witness the finest equine talent on the grandest platforms. If fillies are permitted to compete without any assurances regarding their fertility, it appears inconsistent to exclude exceptional horses simply due to being gelded.
"Regardless, we're committed to entering Goliath in the premier turf races worldwide."
The issue of whether the Arc should fall into line with other major weight-for-age races in Europe rose back up the agenda this year partly thanks to the performances of the Graffard-trained geldings Goliath and Calandagan, who finished runner-up to Epsom Derby (G1) winner City of Troy in the Juddmonte International (G1) in August after winning the King Edward VII Stakes (G2) at Royal Ascot.
The Arc and the Prix Jacques le Marois (G1) are restricted to entire males and fillies as part of the promotion of Thoroughbred breeding, although France Galop revealed this year that the subject will be revisited for the first time since 2019 as part of the governing body's overall strategic review, the 2030 Plan.
**GOLIATH Update:**
— Jstewartrr (@jstewartrr) November 26, 2024
GOLIATH has exited the recent race in excellent condition. After thorough discussions with @GraffardRacing and the @resracingky team, we have concluded that GOLIATH merits a period of rest. We will be returning him to France as we prepare for a campaign aimed… pic.twitter.com/OiMRCrO1mq
