 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |
Resolute Racing's John Stewart is continuing his global spending spree, securing a controlling stake in this year's Gr.1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes hero Goliath.
The ambitious owner has snapped up a 75 per cent share in the German-bred gelding from breeder-owner Baron Philip von Ullmann's Gestut Schlenderhan, with the four-year-old's autumn campaign now firmly focused on Ascot and Del Mar.
Francis-Henri Graffard's charge burst onto the scene with a commanding two-and-a-quarter length romp in the midsummer showpiece at Ascot, leaving a star-studded field trailing in his wake. That performance not only rocketed him to second in the Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings with a lofty mark of 125, but also secured his spot in the US$6.3 million Breeders' Cup Turf on 2 November.
Stewart, speaking exclusively to the Racing Post, said: "We're thrilled to add Goliath to our expanding global portfolio. His King George win was breathtaking, and we believe he's got all the tools to make a serious impact in the Champion Stakes and at the Breeders' Cup."
The son of Adlerflug had already shown glimpses of his ability when landing the Group Three Prix d'Hedouville at ParisLongchamp and finishing a close second in Royal Ascot's Group Two Hardwicke Stakes. His King George triumph, however, catapulted him into the big leagues, with only Dubai World Cup victor Laurel River rated higher on the world stage.
Goliath's arrival in the Resolute Racing ranks continues Stewart's aggressive international expansion. The outfit has already snapped up 2023 South African Horse of the Year Princess Calla and Group One-placed Australian filly Tutta La Vita in a clear statement of global ambition.
With career earnings already topping US$1.1 million from just nine starts, Goliath's new connections will be eyeing further riches in the months ahead. The Gr.1 Champion Stakes at Ascot on 19 October is likely to be next on the agenda, before a potential US$6.3 million payday in the Breeders' Cup Turf at Del Mar.
Graffard, who retains the training duties, added: "Goliath is an exceptional talent, and we're excited to continue our partnership with his new owners. The Champion Stakes and Breeders' Cup have always been the targets, and I'm confident he has the class to excel on both stages."