John Stewart Sets Sights on a High-Impact Season with Star Runner Goliath

The owner is optimistic about what his colt can deliver next weekend in the FWD Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Sha Tin

Goliath Arrives at Sha Tin for a New International Venture / HKJC

SHA TIN, Hong Kong (Special to TDN) – With a name that evokes strength and grandeur, Goliath will take the next step in his ambitious international campaign on Sunday when he lines up for the G1 FWD Queen Elizabeth II Cupover 2000 meters on the turf at Sha Tin—a marquee event on the Hong Kong calendar boasting a purse of HK$28 million (approx. US$3.6 million).

Now campaigned by John Stewart, the driving force behind the rising Resolute Racing venture, the son of Intello was purchased following his shock 25-1 victory in the G1 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot last July, while still under French training. From the moment the deal was sealed, the mission was clear: to take on the world's elite racing stages.

The roadmap has already seen early success. Goliath followed up with a win in the G2 Prix du Conseil de Paris in October, then finished a respectable sixth in the G1 Japan Cup, holding his own against some of the world’s most formidable middle-distance runners.

Now based temporarily at Sha Tin and with notable absentees such as Dubai Honour (Pride of Dubai)—winner of the G1 Tancred Stakes—and local hero Romantic Warrior (Acclamation), who is focusing on Dubai targets, Goliath enters the QEII Cup as one of the leading contenders in a race that has long been circled by his connections.

“He’s arrived at Sha Tin in terrific condition,” said Stewart. “Given his maturity and temperament, he’s ready for this kind of international campaign. This race was always part of the plan.”

Stewart, whose operation is being built with a distinctly global vision, is clear about his goals. “It’s not about money for me. It’s about running in the world’s best races. To be here competing in front of the passionate Hong Kong fans is an honor. Goliath is exactly the kind of horse that represents what we’re building.”

Even with the field lacking some of its star power, Sunday’s QEII Cup still presents a serious challenge. Goliath will face five G1 winners from around the globe. But both Stewart and trainer Francis-Henri Graffard are confident in the steady hands of Christophe Soumillon, who knows the Sha Tin course well and has been aboard for Goliath’s key efforts.

“It’s unfortunate that some of the top names won’t be here, but it’s still a quality field,” Stewart said. “You always have to respect the Japanese, and the local runners are strong. It’s never easy.”

Soumillon’s experience and race savvy will be key to navigating this challenge, and Stewart confirmed that a detailed game plan is already underway. “Christophe is world-class. He and Francis will sit down this week to map out the race. We felt he could have been ridden a bit more aggressively in the Japan Cup, so we’ll see what adjustments they want to make.”

Sunday’s FWD Champions Day could be just the first stop in a globe-trotting year for Goliath. Stewart envisions a campaign that includes Royal Ascot, Saratoga, Australia, and a return trip to Japan.

“I’d love to target the G1 Prince of Wales’s Stakes and go back to the King George. I also want to take him to the U.S., to Saratoga, and down to Australia, as well as getting a second shot at the Japan Cup,” Stewart said, his sights clearly set across the international landscape.

With a horse in top form, a trusted rider in the saddle, and a team determined to make a mark, Goliath will look to add another chapter to his rising legacy on Sunday—and perhaps announce himself as one of the global stars of 2025..

Maddy Playle (HKJC)