King George hero will not contest the Preis von Europa on Sunday.
Goliath, the surprise star of this season in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, has been scratched from his expected run in Sunday's Group One Preis von Europa at Cologne. The four-year-old gelding, whose incredible 25-1 upset at Ascot in July set racing circles shaking, suffered a minor foot abscess after his final hit-out, forcing his connections to withdraw him from the big German race. Owned in part by influential American businessman John Stewart, who bought a big stake in the horse from Philip Baron von Ullmann after King George's triumph, Goliath was to face old rival Rebel's Romance, who was third at Ascot. However, his absence from today's six-strong entry list has snapped hope of a revenge bid, although the foot issue comes as an unfortunate, if prudent, setback.
Von Ullmann commented on galopponline.de regarding this morning's call from Goliath's trainer, Francis-Henri Graffard, who informed him that he had developed a small foot abscess. "It's nothing serious or long-term, but safety comes first. We do not want to put him at unnecessary risk if he is not 100% fit. He should be at his best for anything." Even though the row seems little, pulling Goliath out is a manifestation that the sport is changing its interest in animal welfare. Von Ullmann and Stewart were sad about this one, seeing how much frenzy was sparked after the return of the horse to the racing field. Stewart, who was going to fly in from the United States to view the race in Germany, understands the decision, as echoed by von Ullmann: "That's horse racing," the baron commented, adding that the long-term goal remains the Japan Cup in November.
Goliath's absence is a significant blow to the Preis von Europa, where he was meant to come back, bringing Charlie Appleby's Rebel's Romance a real thrilling challenge. His fans had, thus, been looking forward to the encounter: would it be a one-off fluke or indeed a one-time show that had not been tapped for the Ascot victory? The fans will have to wait much longer to see Goliath run again, and maybe the rematch will materialize on an international grander stage. For now, Rebel's Romance tops the list in Cologne and appears the probable favourite in Goliath's absence.
The site also boasts good opposition from the winner of the German Derby, Palladium, in addition to Trevaunance for Irish trainer Jessica Harrington. Giordano, Straight, and Erle round out an extremely quality field. The withdrawal of Goliath left a palpable hole and cast a shadow of "what might have been" over the weekend's racing. While his fans were sorely waiting for Goliath's return following his heroics at Ascot, von Ullmann and Graffard told Horse Courier this week that they did the right thing about the welfare of their champion and served notice to everybody: things may not work out always, top-level thoroughbreds.
Optimism has been forecasted in camp that Goliath will return, come his next outing, in better shape than before, and that the much-awaited Japan Cup would be the perfect target of the world's premier international races. For now, Goliath's camp will analyze his training program and look for the best way forward. Not running in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe on account of gelding rules points towards Japan. But with Cologne off the cards, his connections now have to think of the best way forward.
In summarizing von Ullmann, "John and I were looking forward really to Cologne but ultimately we have to put Goliath's health first. We are still shooting for Japan but see what the next few weeks bring." The racing world waits in suspense to see whether Goliath will regain full fitness and get back onto the world stage. His shocking victory at Ascot already made for himself a place as a favorite of the fans and his next steps are going to be followed zealously as the way to Japan unfolds.
