3 minute read

Which left the coast clear for French raider Goliath in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.

Goliath, who is trained in France by Francis Graffard, came to the G1 at Ascot and set off under Christophe Soumillon at the very generous odds of 25/1, swept past the other runners as the post neared and won very easily from a fast-finishing Bluestocking.  The favourites Rebel's Romance and Auguste Rodin threw in the towel and finished like tired horses.  Goliath was walloped by Isle of Jura in the Hardwicke and fourth in the GP de Chantilly so he wasn't expected to produce such good form.  He did get a top ride from Soumillon.

Earlier the Princess Margaret had gone to the Ollie Sangster trained Simmering with Betty Clover on 22/1 second and Tales of the Heart 11/2 third.  The Valiant went to Friendly Soul after favourite Devoted Queen blew the start and never got into the race.

Doom was second and Naomi Lapaglia 16/1 third.