Goliath tees up Ascot return with decisive Chantilly success

Goliath booked his ticket to Royal Ascot when serving a reminder of his class with an impressive success in the Grand Prix de Chantilly.

Francis-Henri’s Graffard’s six-year-old of course made a successful Ascot raid when springing a surprise in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes in 2024 and has since added to his Group One haul in Germany last year.

Making his return to home soil after a near miss in Qatar in February, Goliath accounted for some useful opposition in fine style, with his trainer now highlighting the Hardwicke Stakes in which he was second to Isle of Jura in two years ago as his next port of call before another King George bid.

Graffard told Sky Sports Racing: “I’m delighted. He has been a very special horse for the whole stable and I’m very happy to have him in such good condition both mentally and physically at his age.

“Christophe (Soumillon, jockey) confirmed that and said his action was incredible today and like in Ascot when he won the King George, when the pace is like that and I can see my horse relaxed, he is a champion who can quicken very strongly.

“I will need to speak to the owners but my idea is to go to the Hardwicke and then the King George with him. I will need to discuss it with the entrourage but that will be really good for him mentally to be back winning.”

There was further joy for Graffard in the Prix de Royaumont, with Behrayna retaining his unbeaten record with thoroughly decisive victory.

The daughter of Sea The Moon had looked a cut above in her opening two starts and proved it once again when stepped up to Group Three company, scorching clear in the hands of Mickael Barzalona once hitting clear daylight.

Graffard said: “She’s a lovely filly and we have always liked her. I have always wanted to step up to a mile and a half with her and she showed me that I was right as she can be a little bit off the bridle and she needs plenty of time to get going.

“She has plenty of ability this filly and is an exciting prospect.

“I will need to see how she comes back from this race but we know soft ground will not be a problem. Either she stays in France for the Prix de Malleret (ParisLongchamp, July 14) or I could give her plenty of time and focus on the autumn. I could maybe also have a look at the Irish Oaks with her.”