Despite an unusual walking action caused by a neurological condition called String Halt, Goliath shows no signs of hindrance when he stretches out at full speed. The quirky movement — where one leg lifts dramatically and unpredictably — has not stopped him from competing at the highest level.

Goliath, part-owned by American racing giant John Stewart, is set to launch his new season at Sha Tin in the Group 1 QE II Cup (2000m) this Sunday, following an unplaced finish in the Group 1 Japan Cup (2400m) last November, where he crossed the line sixth.

Trainer Francis-Henri Graffard and the ownership group opted to kick off his 2024 campaign in Hong Kong in hopes of a stronger showing to set the tone for the year ahead.

“He looks great but a bit light after the transport,” Graffard said after seeing the five-year-old settle into Sha Tin.

“But he is back on his feet and his work has been very good.”

Among Goliath’s major rivals will be Japan’s Prognosis, who chased home Via Sistina in last year’s Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m), as well as stablemate and race favourite Liberty Island.

Reflecting on Goliath’s past campaign, Graffard said: “We questioned ourselves on coming here after Japan. It was a long journey and his first long trip after a strong season.”

“He had tough racing so he went for a spell to start this year in Hong Kong.”

Graffard pointed to the lack of tempo in the Japan Cup as a key factor behind Goliath’s below-par finish and is hoping for a more truly-run affair at Sha Tin.

“The idea of going to Japan was to find a bit of pace but we drew barrier one and then everything went against my horse,” he explained.

“It was a big experience in Japan for my horse starting in front of the grandstand so it was all new. He still managed to run decently and the plan was to drop him back in distance here. If we get a bit of pace, he is a very impressive horse.”

As for his String Halt condition, Graffard insists it has no impact on Goliath’s ability to perform — provided he isn’t asked to trot.

“His mechanics are good and it depends on whether (at any moment) he does it or not,” Graffard said.

“At Ascot he was walking along and started doing it with two legs and I thought ‘oh no’.”