Goliath returns to winning ways in Germany
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Sun 27 Sep 2026
Francis-Henri Graffard said Goliath was back to his King George-winning best after the gelding secured a first Group One triumph of the season with an emphatic success in the 64th Preis von Europa at Cologne.
Making every yard under Christophe Soumillon, the 2024 Ascot hero teed up another crack at the Hong Kong Vase in December with a silky smooth victory over the William Haggas-trained Dubai Honour under Christophe Soumillon.
Last year Goliath ended his campaign by running at the Breeders’ Cup and then travelling to Sha Tin, where he finished an excellent third behind fellow French raider Sosie. Graffard is now eyeing more international success in the coming months.
“He’s a lovely horse and the pet of the stable. Everybody loves him and I think he is a very famous horse now worldwide because of the way he walks (stringhalt) and his character,” he told Wettstar.
“Today it was very nice to see him winning so easily. We knew there was nobody to go in front really so we decided to jump well as he’s a horse you don’t want to upset at the beginning of the race.
“When I saw him in front, nice and and relaxed with his ears pricked, I thought he was going to run a big race. He quickened nicely and won comfortably – it was a bit like when he won the King George two years ago.
“It was nice to see him like this, it will be very good for his mind and his temperament, he can feel really strong again.”
When asked about future plans, Graffard added: “He has all the options worldwide, but I need to discuss with the owners and decide where is best for him to go.
“He will travel either east or west. He did very well in Hong Kong last December, so that is probably an option too.”
After making the decisive move off the home turn, Soumillon allowed the field to close as he eased up approaching the winning line.
He said: “Nobody was going to make the running so I just let him go in front.
“He changed his leads perfectly in the turn and when I asked him to quicken he responded really strongly today.
“I don’t know what the next race is for him, but if he comes back sound, with him you never know – he can make you dream all the time.”
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