Goliath Joins King George Giants

It was the French raider who took the spoils at Ascot Racecourse today, as Goliath stormed home at 25/1 to win the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes under Christophe Soumillon, becoming the first French-trained winner of the race since 2006.

Auguste Rodin had weakened as Rebel’s Romance was sent forward by William Buick, but it was Goliath who responded instantaneously. Soumillon pressed the button surged clear, three lengths clear of Bluestocking, running on well behind. Soumillon winning this race for a second time, having also been on board when Hurricane Run took this race in 2006.

The lightly raced four-year-old produced a fine performance when second to Isle Of Jura at Royal Ascot, and has gone one better in a high quality field. Winning trainer Francis Henri Graffard said, “I knew if there was a good pace he would be able to quicken like this”.

Aidan O’Brien blamed the ground for Auguste Rodin’s performance, saying “we walked the track and were very worried then. It was good, good to soft in places, there was nowhere near good to firm”.