Goldikova Sets Another Record in the G1 Prix Rothchild

Three-time Breeder’s Cup Mile Champion (G1) Goldikova has set another standard, winning the G1 Prix Rothschild at Deauville in France for the fourth consecutive year, tallying up her 14th Grade 1 win of her career.

Goldikova is the first horse to win the Prix Rothschild four consecutive times since the European Pattern system was introduced in 1971. But Goldikova wasn’t the only one to hit a milestone as her jockey Olivier Peslier hit the 100th group one victory of his career with the win.

Seven other fillies and mares challenged Goldikova in the race and as expected, the mare was sent off as the heavy favorite at 2-5. She quickly settled into second by Peslier behind her stablemate Flash Dance.

As in most races, Goldikova was asked to run at the two furlong marker and she quickly ate into the two length lead Flash Dance had opened and took command of the race.

While Goldikova only won by a neck over Sahpresa, she was geared down in the final yards. Timepiece, who had dueled with Sahpresa while trying to catch Goldikova finished two lengths behind the duo.

The race was run in a time of 1:34.30 over a mile on good turf.

“She is metronomic, in a class of her own. She is 6-years-old and she understands that when she has the advantage, it is over.” Goldikova’s famous trainer Freddie Head told Bloodhorse.com.

The mare will either be entered in the Prix Jacques Le Marois (G1) or Prix du Moulin (G1) for her next start and is expected to defend her Breeder’s Cup title for the fourth time in November at Churchill Downs.