Image: Goliath; www.marcruehl.com / Use of the image is free of charge in connection with reporting on Baden Galopp
Press release
Big Week from August 30 - September 07, 2025 in Baden-Baden - Iffezheim:
The phenomenal return of galloping world star Goliath to the limelight
Baden-Baden-Iffezheim, September 07, 2025 (MH) - It was the return of a galloping world star in front of 17,200 spectators at the finale of the Grand Prix on Sunday at the racecourse in Baden-Baden: The Adlerflug son Goliath (2.85:1 co-favorite), bred by Gestüt Schlenderhan and owned by Resolute Bloodstock of the American John Stewart and Philip Baron von Ullmann, won the WETTSTAR.de - 155th Grosser Preis von Baden, the most important race of the year under the direction of Baden Galopp, in grand style. Under Clement Lecoeuvre, Goliath, trained by Francis-Henri Graffard in France, defended a very safe lead of one and a quarter lengths over the favored Englishman Dubai Honour, who finished second as in 2024, and the outsider Straight, who finished third as the best German. In perfect summer weather, six horses competed after the withdrawals of Rebel's Romance and Derby winner Hochkönig (hoof ulcer).
Prize money now over 1.5 million euros
Goliath, who had particularly shone in the King George at Ascot in 2024, made a spectacular comeback after some performances that were below his usual level and took this top class and 165,000 euros in prize money one year after Fantastic Moon's success. The gelding landed his eighth victory at his 16th start and catapulted his winnings to 1,560,441 euros. Co-owner John Stewart followed the race from Kentucky, where he had gotten married the day before. He thus gave himself the best wedding present.
Along the way, Goliath was immediately seen at the front, where he set a decent pace ahead of Dubai Honour, who was later briefly overtaken by Cold Heart. Alleno, Straight and Path of Soldier followed behind. Dubai Honour soon attacked Goliath on the home straight, but it was clear early on that there would be no match for the Adlerflug son. Goliath was the confident and worthy winner ahead of Dubai Honour, who in no way disappointed in defeat, especially as he was coming out of a break.
Straight the best German
The even better tackling Straight was surprisingly strong as the best German in third place ahead of Alleno, who also did well. Path of Soldier only passed the fading Cold Heart from last place.
The WETTSTAR.de - 155th Grand Prix of Baden, which was once again under the patronage of Germany's most important horse betting broker, was once again broadcast to Hong Kong and could be bet on in the betting Eldorado of Asia. The race was part of the World Pool managed by the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Betting turnover in the millions is generated here.
VOICES:
Clement Lecoeuvre (jockey of Goliath): "It was a great honor for me to ride a horse of this class. Goliath proved his immense class again today."
Philip Baron von Ullmann (co-owner of Goliath): "He had a quiet race, just as we had hoped. Clement gave him an ideal ride. It's hard to say whether this was the Goliath from the King George again, but he showed that he hasn't lost his shine and is one of the top horses in the world. It was also great to win in the blue and yellow colors. The Japan Cup is a possible long-term goal."
Tom Marquand (jockey of Dubai Honour): "He ran strongly and was only beaten by the former King George winner. The race was good, but he had a bit of trouble getting to the outside in the straight."
Philip Robinson (manager of Dubai Honour): "He ran a great race and was second here once again. He has already earned over 5 million euros, what a horse."
Henk Grewe (Straight's trainer): "He has come back after joining me four weeks ago. He could now finish well ahead in the Prize of Europe."
Holger Faust (owner of Straight): "He was the best German horse. His former trainers Andreas Wöhler and Marian Falk Weißmeier had also done a very good job with him. But Straight is a horse with many problems, and we have now found one of them again and have been able to remedy it. He is probably heading for the Prize of Europe in Cologne."
Rene Piechulek (jockey of Alleno): "That was a very good performance after the break. Only in the final stretch did he perhaps lack a bit of fitness in this class."
Further dates for Baden Galopp 2025 racing events
Sales & Racing Festival:
Friday, October 17
Sunday, October 19
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Andre Lott
Press contact
Baden Galopp GmbH & Co. KG
Rennbahnstr. 16
76473 Iffezheim
Tel: +49 1736755151
www.badengalopp.de
