Soumillon has already enjoyed top-level success in Hong Kong (Hong Kong Jockey Club)
Maddy Playle/Hong Kong Jockey Club
HONG KONG — Christophe Soumillon has already won several of Hong Kong’s greatest prizes and the rider will hope to snare another on Sunday (27 April) when French star Goliath lines up for the HK$28 million G1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin.
Belgian-born Soumillon won the Hong Kong Derby (2000m) aboard local champion Viva Pataca in 2006 and has shown his prowess in numerous Group 1 races at Sha Tin since, landing the LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m) on two occasions.
His experience will come to good use in Sunday’s feature event aboard Goliath, who is making his debut trip to Hong Kong on his seasonal reappearance after finishing sixth in the G1 Japan Cup (2400m) in November.
Soumillon rode the Francis Graffard-trained five-year-old to a shock victory in the G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2392m) at Ascot last July when beating subsequent Arc and Breeders’ Cup winners Bluestocking and Rebel’s Romance.
“He needed a break after the Japan Cup but he came back very fresh after a short break,” Soumillon said. “Francis and the owner made the decision to go for the QEII Cup and I think it’s a great idea. He’s in great condition at the moment and on his comeback run 2000 metres will be good for him.”
While dropping back in distance is no concern for Goliath, Soumillon stressed that a strong pace would be integral to seeing him produce his best.
He said: “Unfortunately, he was very stressed before the Japan Cup because he heard the crowd screaming in the stands. He jumped out the gate very slowly and that’s something he doesn’t usually do.
“The pace was very, very slow. I don’t think I’ve seen a race as slow in Japan. It wasn’t the best race for him. He likes when the pace is on. He’s a horse with a nice big stride and I think he’s much better on a right-handed track.”
Goliath courts attention due to his unique stringhalt gait but it does not impede him during races and Sunday’s event will only represent the beginning of a jet-setting season with trips to England, Australia, America and Japan already pencilled in.
“He’s quite funny because the way he walks is quite unusual,” Soumillon said. “You can’t even imagine he could gallop at that speed, but when he won the King George the field was so strong, there were so many Group 1 winners behind him. He’s amazing.”
On race tactics for the FWD QEII Cup, Soumillon added: “The field is quite open. I hope we have a nice draw and he can jump out of the gate quite quickly. He likes to be just behind the lead, but he’s quite versatile and he’s also won from the front.
FWD Champions Day takes place at Sha Tin on 27 April.
