Goliath Wins Third Group 1 in Preis von Europa

Resolute Bloodstock and Philip Baron Von Ullmann's Goliath (GER) added another group 1 to his brilliant CV as he emphatically returned to winning ways in the Preis von Europa (G1) Sept. 27 at Cologne in Germany. Last victorious in a group 2 at Chantilly in May, the Francis Graffard-trained 6-year-old finished a close third in the Hardwicke Stakes (G2) at Royal Ascot in June, but was 11 lengths behind Kalpana (GB) when he was last seen in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1) July 25. However, he bounced back in scintillating style as he went easily clear of the William Haggas-trained Dubai Honour (IRE), in a repeat finish to last year's Grosser Preis von Baden (G1). It was a third group 1 success for Goliath. Graffard, who has a huge week ahead with Daryz (FR) bidding for back-to-back Prix de l'Arc de Triomphes (G1) Oct. 4, said: "He's such a lovely horse and he's the pet of the stable. Everyone loves him and he's a very famous horse worldwide because of the way he walks and his character, and it was very nice to see him win so easily. "We knew there was nobody to go in front, so we decided to jump well. He's a horse who doesn't need to be upset at the beginning of the race. When I saw him at the front, nice and relaxed with his ears pricked, I thought he was going to run a big race. "He didn't run very well the last day, but he quickened nicely and won comfortably. It was a bit like when he won the King George two years ago, so it was very nice to see him win like that." Asked where Goliath could go next, Graffard said: "He has all the options worldwide, but I need to discuss with his owners and decide where is best for him. We'll see how he comes back, but he will travel either east or west. He did very well in Hong Kong last year, so that is an option too." Winning jockey Christophe Soumillon added: "He loved the track and conditions were perfect for him today. Nobody was going to make the run in, so I just let him go to the front and he changed his leads perfectly in the turn. When I asked him to quicken, he responded really well."