Goldikova remains on course to bid for a remarkable fourth straight victory in the Breeders’ Cup Mile next month despite suffering defeat at Longchamp on Sunday.
Freddie Head’s 14-time Group One winner went down fighting to Dream Ahead in a thrilling climax to the Prix de la Foret, the six-year-old’s final competitive appearance in her homeland.
She will sign off a stellar career at Churchill Downs on November 5 and Pierre-Yves Bureau, racing manager for the owners the Wertheimer Brothers, is keeping his fingers crossed she can go out on a high.
“She is OK this morning and we cannot blame the mare, she ran a very good race,” Bureau said.
“Of course it would have been nice to see her win on her final race in France, but we knew Dream Ahead was the main opposition and he is a very fast horse.
“Goldikova was very brave and still ran very well, so as long as she is OK, the plan is still to go to the Breeders’ Cup.
“We know she likes racing in America – the fast ground and the fast pace suits her well, so let’s hope she can produce her best on what will be her final race.”
PA AAP TURF
