King George hero will not contest the Preis von Europa on Sunday.
The racing world received a shock this morning as the much-anticipated return of Goliath, the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes victor, has been postponed due to an unexpected setback. The four-year-old gelding was set to make his comeback in Sunday’s Group One Preis von Europa at Cologne, but a minor foot abscess has forced connections to withdraw him from the race.
This news comes as a blow to fans and connections alike, especially after Goliath’s stunning 25-1 upset victory at Ascot in July, where he defied the odds to clinch the King George title. Since that triumphant day, the gelding has been purchased in part by prominent American owner John Stewart, who teamed up with Philip Baron von Ullmann. Together, they had mapped out an ambitious plan for the horse’s future.
The Setback and Connections’ Decision
Despite high hopes, Goliath’s return to the track will have to wait. Trainer Francis-Henri Graffard discovered the minor abscess on Goliath’s foot after his final work ahead of Sunday’s race. Von Ullmann, speaking to GaloppOnline.de, shared his thoughts on the decision to withdraw Goliath: "This morning, I received a call from Francis-Henri, who told me about the small foot abscess. It’s nothing long-term, but safety comes first. We don’t think it’s right to let him run in Cologne if he’s not 100% and it would cause him additional discomfort."
Von Ullmann emphasized that animal welfare is always the top priority for the connections, and they won’t take any chances with Goliath’s health. "John and I were really looking forward to running in Cologne, and he was planning to fly from America for the race. But that’s horse racing. We’re still aiming for the Japan Cup, but we’ll have to reassess the plan now."
Goliath’s Road to Redemption
The decision not to race in Cologne puts Goliath’s Japan Cup bid in question. The German race was intended to be a crucial stepping stone on the path to the prestigious Japan Cup in November. As a gelding, Goliath is ineligible to compete in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, which was a natural alternative for many top European horses at this time of year. Connections had already decided to forgo the Champion Stakes, believing that the Prix von Europa would be the ideal prep race for the international challenge in Japan.
With Goliath out of the race, the focus now shifts to his recovery and whether he’ll be fit in time to contest the Japan Cup. "We’ll have to see what the exact plan is now," said von Ullmann, leaving fans and followers on edge as they await news on the gelding’s future.
Goliath’s Rivals Get Ready to Shine
With Goliath ruled out, Charlie Appleby’s Rebel’s Romance now steps into the spotlight as the leading contender in Cologne. The Godolphin runner, who finished third behind Goliath in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes, will be eager for a rematch but will instead face a different field. German Derby winner Palladium also lines up, representing one of the home country’s best hopes for success.
Trainer Jessica Harrington sends out Trevaunance, who is sure to make her presence felt in the race. Meanwhile, the remaining contenders – Lordano, Straight, and Erle – round out a six-strong field for Sunday’s Group One event.
For Rebel’s Romance, the absence of Goliath opens up a prime opportunity to seize a prestigious victory. Appleby’s colt has shown top-level form and will be looking to capitalize on his rival’s withdrawal. Sunday’s race, though missing its star attraction, still promises an exciting showdown between Europe’s rising stars.
Editor’s Take: The Unpredictability of Racing
Goliath’s unexpected absence from the Preis von Europa serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of horse racing. Plans can change in an instant, and even the most promising campaigns can face setbacks. In this case, Goliath’s withdrawal is a responsible move by his connections, prioritizing his welfare over immediate gains. The anticipation around his return will only grow as fans await news on whether he’ll make it to the Japan Cup.
For now, all eyes turn to Cologne, where Rebel’s Romance and the remaining field will take center stage. Without Goliath, the race has lost some of its headline appeal, but the unfolding drama of international competition and the rise of new challengers will keep racing enthusiasts on the edge of their seats
