23 April 2023
Photo scoopdyga.com
Sunday, April 23, 2023, Auteuil Racecourse (Paris). - Third last year in the Georges de Talhouët-Roy 3yo Hurle Race (Gr2), then second in the Congress 3yo Chase (Gr2) steeple, this year again in the Duc d'Anjou 4yo Chase (Gr2) and the Fleuret 4yo Chase (Gr2), Goliath du Rheu (Castle du Berlais) was each time outdone by Juntos Ganamos. Freed from this encumbering rival this time in the €235,000 Jean Stern 4yo Chase (Gr2), the representative of the Détré family and Team Spirit was the odds-on favourite at 3/5... Constantly in the lead, he was able to finally win at the highest level, repelling in the run-in the last assault of Okkido (Martaline), who was also always at the forefront throughout the race. Another main contender of the race, Jojo Lapin (Cokoriko), lost third place by a nose to Not Too Bad (No Risk At All), 17 lengths behind.
Goliath du Rheu was bred by Claude Duval. He is the eighth foal out of Pépite du Rheu (Voix du Nord), who only took a small check for a fifth place in eight outings. She did, however, give Pirate du Rheu (Zizany), a winner of three races, including the Weather Permitting 3yo Beginners' Chase at Auteuil. He also took fourth place in the Georges de Talhouët-Roy 3yo Hurdle Race (Gr2), that's eason.
A full brother to Goliath du Rheu was born in 2022.
The dam of Pépite du Rheu, Narcisse du Rheu (Saint Cyrien), won the Prix Luthier (L) on Deauville's all-weather.