French trainer Francis-Henri Graffard is brimming with confidence as his talented charge, Goliath, gears up for the prestigious FWD QEII Cup this Sunday at Sha Tin. The five-year-old will be aiming to carve his name into the history books by becoming the first runner from France to claim victory in the event since 1999. After arriving in Hong Kong just in time to oversee Goliath’s workout, Graffard appeared visibly satisfied with how the horse handled the demanding conditions.
Goliath’s presence in Sunday’s race is no coincidence. Since wrapping up his last campaign with a solid showing in the Japan Cup, the connections have been eyeing the QEII Cup as the ideal starting point for his new season. Although things didn’t quite pan out in Tokyo, the experience proved valuable, and connections believe the return to a shorter 2000-meter distance may bring out the best in him once again.
The race in Japan posed several challenges for the European contender. With a less-than-ideal draw and a few setbacks during the run, Goliath still managed to hold his own against top competition. Graffard feels the experience helped the horse mature and is optimistic that the circumstances this time around will better suit his running style. He’s hopeful that a fast pace will bring out the same explosive performance seen during Goliath’s triumph in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes last summer.
Goliath will face a strong field on Sunday, including two formidable Japanese contenders, Prognosis and Liberty Island, who have both narrowly missed glory at the top level in Hong Kong. Despite acknowledging their class and consistency, Graffard maintains firm faith in Goliath’s ability, noting that when the horse is in sync with the pace and conditions, he’s capable of something special.
Beyond his racing ability, Goliath has gained a bit of a cult following thanks to his peculiar walk, caused by a condition known as stringhalt. While it may appear odd at first glance, it hasn’t impacted his performance in the least. Graffard admits the gait can be startling for those unfamiliar with it, especially during moments like the Royal Ascot paddock walk. However, he emphasizes that when Goliath gets going, his stride is smooth and powerful, revealing the athlete hidden behind the unusual movement.
This Sunday’s race card at Sha Tin is packed with elite contests, including the Chairman’s Sprint Prize and the Champions Mile. But all eyes will be on the QEII Cup, where Goliath will attempt to stamp his authority against a global cast of top-tier runners. For Graffard and his team, the journey to Hong Kong has been long in the making—now, they’re hoping it ends with a crowning moment.
