Goliath regains his finest form with a dominant display in the Preis von Europa
The son of Adlerflug secured the third G1 triumph of his career with a comfortable victory over Dubai Honour at Cologne. Trainer Francis-Henri Graffard saw his star return to his peak form and is now weighing another international venture, with Hong Kong among the primary options
COLOGNE, Germany (Special for Turf Diario).— Goliath needed a performance to help erase the memory of his misstep at Ascot, and he found much more than that in Germany. The remarkable representative of Resolute Bloodstock and Philip Baron Von Ullmann regained his best form this Sunday and dominated the Preis von Europa(G1) with immense authority, adding the third top-level victory of his career.
The performance immediately recalled some of his finest moments.
With Christophe Soumillon perfectly managing his energy from the front, Goliath traveled relaxed for much of the race, quickened when the time came, and easily pulled away from Dubai Honour (Pride of Dubai), repeating the 1-2 finish they had staged in the 2025 Grosser Preis von Baden (G1).
The triumph also served to dispel any lingering questions left by his previous outing.
Trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, the son of Adlerflug had secured his prior victory in May, when he captured a G2 event at Chantilly. He then finished a close third in the Hardwicke Stakes (G2) during Royal Ascot, before delivering a performance well below his capabilities in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1).
That afternoon he finished 11 lengths behind Kalpana (Study of Man). Two months later, Cologne showcased the real Goliath once again.
The lack of a clear front-runner prompted his team to alter their usual tactics. Soumillon broke decisively and allowed Goliath to assume the lead, but without asking him for a major effort early on.
“We knew no one wanted to go forward, so we decided to break sharply,” explained Graffard. “He is a horse you shouldn't bother at the start. When I saw him on the lead, relaxed and with his ears pricked, I thought he was going to run a massive race.”
The trainer's impression proved spot on. Goliath traveled comfortably throughout and, when Soumillon asked him to quicken, he responded immediately to draw clear of Dubai Honour without needing to be fully extended.
“In his last start he hadn't run particularly well, but today he quickened beautifully and won comfortably. It was a bit similar to when he won the King George two years ago. It was really lovely to see him win like this again,” added Graffard.
The Preis von Europa took Goliath's G1 tally to three and brought back to the table what has become a constant throughout his career: traveling.
The 6-year-old built much of his international prestige precisely thanks to that ability to compete away from France and adapt to different venues.
“He is a lovely horse and the mascot of the yard. Everyone loves him. He is very famous around the world for the way he walks and for his character,” commented Graffard.
Soumillon also highlighted how comfortable he felt throughout the race. “He loved the track and the conditions were perfect. Since nobody wanted to make the running, I simply let him go to the front. He changed leads perfectly on the turn and when I asked him to quicken he responded really well.”
Now comes the time to choose a new destination.
Graffard did not reveal what the next race will be and will first discuss it with his owners, but he made it clear that the international campaign will continue.
“We have all the options around the world. We'll see how he comes out of this and decide what is best for him, but he will travel either East or West. Last year he did very well in Hong Kong, so that is also a possibility.”
For Graffard, moreover, the victory arrived at a special time. In a week's time, the trainer will face another massive challenge when Daryz (Sea the Stars) attempts to secure his second consecutive Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1).
Before turning his thoughts to Longchamp, he was able to relish the resurgence of one of the most beloved horses in his yard.
Goliath had arrived in Germany looking to rediscover himself, and he left Cologne with an emphatic statement. He won a G1 again, he beat Dubai Honour again, and above all, he showcased the turn of foot that made him an international star once again. Now, the world lies wide open before him once more.
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