Sunday’s racing round-up includes a victory for the returning Goliath at Longchamp…
Kaizen, a 425,000 guineas purchase from last year's Tattersalls Book 1 is set to make his debut at Southwell on Monday. Purchased by Qatar Racing and the China Horse Club, the colt runs in the colours of Howden Racing, who are joint owners in partnership with the Sheikh Fahad Operation. Being a half-brother to Group 1 Fillies Mile winner Ylang Ylang out of Shambolic, Kaizen is in training with John and Thady Gosden, and will be ridden by Champion Jockey Oisin Murphy on his first start.The son of Kingman will face expensive breeze-up buys Heart of Honour and Golden Garden, both of which are trained by Jamie Osborne.
English Grand National fourth Galvin was narrowly denied by the high-class American-trained Snap Decision in the 2m5f American Grand National on Saturday evening at Far Hills. Sent off a well-backed 2/1 favourite, Gordon Elliot's charge travelled well under Jack Kennedy and led approaching the last, but was beaten by a neck as trainer Jack Fisher's ten-year-old stayed on to claim first prize. One-time Coolmore-owned Derby favourite High Definition ran a good race in third on his second start since relocating to America from the Joseph O'Brien yard.
Three months on from King George glory at Ascot, Goliath defied doubters to win comfortably upon return in the Group 2 Prix du Conseil de Paris at Longchamp on Sunday. Francis-Henri Graffard's 113-rated gelding prevailed under a hold up ride from Christophe Soumillon, striking late to overcome a 4lb penalty. William Haggas' raider Hamish ran on well in second under Tom Marquand, but was ultimately held by a length. The race will serve as preparation for a run in the Japan Cup in late November.
The evergreen Real Steel ran a big race under Danny Mullins to land the Grade 3 Munster National Handicap Chase at Limerick. Sent off 8/1, the Paddy Power Chase winner dictated from the front with an impressive jumping display. Eric McNamara's charge performed nicely to see off the well backed Willie Mullins favourite Horantzau D'Airy, who put up a late challenge down the home straight to finish second.