A return to Germany could be on the cards for Goliath as part-owner John Stewart hopes to add another Group One to his European star’s collection.
Francis-Henri Graffard’s 2024 King George hero is arguably the most successful horse so far to don Stewart’s Resolute Racing silks, certainly on this side of the Atlantic.
He claimed a ninth career win in the Group Two Grand Prix de Chantilly at the end of May and was somewhat unfortunate in the Hardwicke Stakes before bidding to regain his King George crown at the Berkshire circuit last month.
Goliath claimed his second top-level success in the Grosser Preis von Baden last September and a defence of that title is considered a logical target, as connections take a more selective route forward with the six-year-old.
“The ground was too hard for him at Ascot and he just needs some cut in the ground. It’s frustrating, but this summer has been tough,” explained Stewart.
“Francis has been very happy with him and we asked him the question, ‘do we need to retire him’, and Francis doesn’t think so and says he can still be really competitive if we pick his spots correctly.
“At this point in a horse’s career you are just trying to make sure he doesn’t disgrace himself and put him in the races where he can accelerate and excel.
“We might be a bit more selective and patient with the races we pick and set him up to be successful. He’s already been so great, but I would love to send him out to win another good race.
“Probably the German race at Baden-Baden will be one that is on our radar and Philip (Baron Von Ullmann) who is part-owner with us would definitely like to see him back in that race. That might be our next target for this year.”