Anthony Oppenheimer, owner-breeder of G1 Epsom Derby and G1 Coral-Eclipse S. winner Golden Horn (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}), appeared unfazed by the recent defeat of his star colt in the G1 Juddmonte International, or the potential of rain meddling with his autumn plans. Golden Horn was removed from last month's G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth S. after the ground came up too soft for his liking, and the colt subsequently suffered his first defeat when second in the Aug. 19 Juddmonte International.
“Sometimes in racing not everything goes smoothly, and things did not go smoothly at York,” said Oppenheimer. “The horse was still very valiant in defeat, though, and was not beaten very far at all. You cannot win them all, and it was a very exciting race to watch.”
Golden Horn's next target is expected to be the G1 Irish Champion S. Sept. 12.
“The plan now is to go to Ireland, where we hope they will have an Indian summer,” Oppenheimer continued. “Leopardstown is a very good track and drains very well so we hope the ground will be fine for him. If we cannot travel to Ireland because of the ground, [going straight to the Arc] is a possibility. There is also the [G1] Champion S. to fall back on, so the horse still has plenty of options.”
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