Goliath made a stunning impact in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes, effortlessly taking the lead and dominating the race. Trained in Chantilly by the rising star Francis Graffard, Goliath was a longshot at 25-1, yet his dominance over a field with six Group 1 winners was clear. He also qualified for the Longines Breeders' Cup Turf at Del Mar in this automatic entry race. 

Despite being one of three horses in the race without a previous top-level win, Goliath achieved his first Group 1 victory with ease under Christophe Soumillon. Graffard expressed his delight, saying, "I love winning like this," highlighting Goliath's strong finish as he overtook the leaders with more than a furlong to go.

Graffard was confident in Goliath's ability to quicken with a good pace, though he was surprised by the long odds, noting, "I was like, 'Oh my God, nobody believes in him.'" Goliath's previous form hadn't suggested he was at Group 1 level, making his victory even more impressive.

In the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot, Goliath's keen running in a slow-paced race still resulted in a second-place finish, giving his connections hope for this return to Berkshire. This time, Ballydoyle's Hans Andersen set a strong pace, ensuring an honest race, although Aidan O'Brien blamed the ground for the disappointing fifth-place finish of the favorite, Auguste Rodin.

Graffard and his team, however, celebrated their giant-killing triumph. Reflecting on his career, Graffard said, "I worked four years here in England for Sheikh Mohammed and fell in love with racing here. I always wanted to train in Chantilly, but I knew as soon as I had a good horse, I would come over and try to be competitive. It's always fantastic to be here."

Rebel's Romance, with five Group 1 wins globally, finished third in his first top-level race in Britain. Jockey William Buick commented, "On his very best day he might have another gear, but he's just run third in the King George, so we've got to be pretty happy."

Bluestocking, the Ralph Beckett filly, was huge in second. She is looked after by South African ex Jockey Eric Ngwane in the UK.