King George winner Goliath ruled out of Sunday's Preis von Europa due to minor setback - but Japan Cup still the plan

A minor setback has ruled King George winner Goliath out of Sunday's Group 1 Preis von Europa at Cologne.

The four-year-old was set to run for the first time since his 25-1 Ascot triumph this weekend, but was found to be suffering with a foot abscess on Thursday morning and will not travel to Germany.  

The Preis von Europa, which was won by subsequent Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Alpinista in 2021, was set to mark the start of an ambitious autumn campaign for Goliath, who had been earmarked for the Japan Cup on November 24.

Speaking to the Racing Post, trainer Francis Graffard said: "Goliath developed a foot abscess following his last piece of work and as he isn't at 100 per cent we can't take the risk of running in a Group 1. 

"We'll see how the horse is, but the Prix du Conseil de Paris [Group 2, October 20, Longchamp] could be an option for him before heading to Japan."

The Conseil de Paris was won by Iresine last year and is again an option for last Sunday's Prix Foy winner, along with the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot.

Goliath is unable to run in the Arc because he is a gelding, a condition France Galop will examine as part of its 2030 strategic plan.

The King George form could still influence the Arc picture, however, with the second Bluestocking under consideration for a supplementary entry after a gallant win over the course and distance in Sunday's Prix Vermeille.

The task of 2022 Europa winner and King George third Rebel's Romance has now been made considerably easier in Sunday's race, with just Lordano, Straight, Palladium, Erle and the Jessica Harrington-trained Trevaunance standing in the way of a sixth Group 1 success.

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