Hong Kong trip not on cards for Goliath
Goliath ridden by Christophe Soumillon wins King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot
The Hong Kong Vase will not be featuring in King George winner Goliath's plans after connections decided to rest the four-year-old for the 2025 campaign.
He will return to France after finishing sixth in the Japan Cup on Sunday instead of making the trip across to Hong Kong for next month's big race.
Trainer Francis-Henri Graffard and owners Resolute Bloodstock and Philip Baron Von Ullmann are keen on running Goliath in next year's the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, if the bar on geldings from running in the race is lifted.
“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,” John Stewart, who runs Resolute Bloodstock, posted on X.
“We will be returning him to France as we prepare for a campaign aimed at showcasing him on a global scale in 2025.
“We urge @francegalop 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 are committed to entering Goliath in the premier turf races worldwide."
