Christophe Soumillon Aims for More Glory on FWD Champions Day in Hong Kong

The Belgian jockey will be one of the headline acts on Sunday at Sha Tin, where he is set to partner Goliath in one of the key races of FWD Champions Day

Soumillon Among Headliners for Sunday’s Hong Kong Showcase / HKJC

SHA TIN, Hong Kong (Special for Turf Diario).- Christophe Soumillon is no stranger to the winner’s circle in Hong Kong’s richest and most prestigious races, and the Belgian-born rider will look to add another trophy to his resume on Sunday when he partners French raider Goliath in the HK$28-million G1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin.

Soumillon, who claimed the 2006 Hong Kong Derby aboard local legend Viva Pataca (Marju), has long been a force at Sha Tin, with a pair of Longines Hong Kong Mile (G1, 1600m) victories among his notable triumphs. That wealth of experience will be an asset as he reunites with Goliath, who makes both his Hong Kong debut and seasonal return in Sunday’s headliner, having last been seen finishing sixth in the G1 Japan Cup (2400m) last November.

The Francis Graffard trainee is no stranger to Soumillon, who was aboard for a shock win in last July’s G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2392m) at Ascot, where Goliath got the better of subsequent G1 Arc de Triomphe and Breeders’ Cup winners Bluestocking (Camelot) and Rebel’s Romance (Dubawi).

“He needed a break after the Japan Cup, but he came back really sharp after a short rest,” said Soumillon. “Francis and the owner made the call to target the QEII Cup, and I think it’s a great move. He’s in great form right now, and 2000 meters is a perfect trip for a comeback.”

Though the distance cutback is of little concern, Soumillon emphasized that a genuine tempo will be key to unlocking Goliath’s best.

“Unfortunately, he got very nervous before the Japan Cup because of the noise from the crowd in the stands. He broke very slowly, which is not like him at all,” the jockey explained. “The pace was extremely slow—probably the slowest I’ve ever seen in Japan. It didn’t suit him at all. He needs a proper race rhythm. He’s got a long, elegant stride and seems to run much better right-handed.”

Goliath is a familiar figure in European paddocks thanks to his idiosyncratic gait—a high-stepping action in one leg that draws attention every time he walks—but it hasn’t hindered his performance on the track. Sunday’s race is expected to be just the start of a busy international campaign, with future targets mapped out across England, Australia, the United States and Japan.

“It’s pretty funny because he walks so awkwardly,” Soumillon said. “You wouldn’t think he’s capable of galloping like he does, but when he won the King George, the field was stacked with G1 winners. He’s a remarkable horse.”

Looking ahead to Sunday, Soumillon added: “It’s a pretty even field. Hopefully we draw well and get a good break. He likes to race on or near the lead, but he’s a versatile type and has also won from the front.”

The FWD Champions Day card, featuring the QEII Cup along with the Chairman’s Sprint Prize and Champions Mile, takes place this Sunday, April 27 at Sha Tin.

Maddy Playle