Francis Graffard has been one of the most progressive trainers in Europe for some time, but 2025 is the year future racing historians will point to as the one when he joined the genuine elite of the sport. 

He arrives at the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races (LONGINES HKIR) having broken Andre Fabre’s record for a French trainer of 13 Group 1 wins for a calendar year, and he’s done it the hard way, considering the calibre of major prizes he has accrued. 

Daryz brought Graffard a first victory in the G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (2400m), while Zarigana and Gezora bagged French Classics. 

But it is on the world stage that the 48-year-old has made the greatest strides, with Gezora landing the stable’s maiden victory at the Breeders’ Cup, and Calandagan adding the G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2392m) and the G1 Champion Stakes (1993m) to his win in the G1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (2400m). Most recently, Calandagan made him the first international trainer to win the G1 Japan Cup (2400m) since 2005.

Graffard sends two of his stable’s major players to Sha Tin. HK$26 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase (2400m) challenger Goliath makes a second trip this year, after finishing ninth in the G1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m), while Quisisana will be making her first long-distance voyage for the HK$40 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m). 

“I’m very happy with them both; they worked well at Chantilly racecourse on Wednesday, and they seem in top shape,” Graffard said. 

Goliath’s aptitude for taking out one of the four jewels on LONGINES HKIR this Sunday (14 December) is advertised by top-level victories in the 2024 G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2392m) and this year in Germany’s premier all-aged race, G1 Grosser Preis von Baden (2400m). 

“Through the season, I tried to rebuild his confidence and his physical ability. He was really well for America and he travelled really well, so that was a good sign that a long journey isn’t a problem anymore,” Graffard said.

With a current official rating of 120, Goliath is poised to play a leading role in the LONGINES Hong Kong Vase – he is level with Arc third Sosie and last year’s winner Giavellotto – while a repeat of his King George level of performance makes him the equal of Los Angeles on 123. 

Graffard recognises inconsistency has been the main issue with Goliath over the last two seasons, adding: “It’s a strong race but with quite an open feel to it. As we know with Goliath, everything needs to go his way for him to give his best.”

It’s sometimes hard to predict which horses will really reveal themselves to a wider international audience during LONGINES HKIR trackwork, but Quisisana has the looks to turn plenty of heads during the build-up. 

And with Ryan Moore returning just in time to resume duty for Aidan O’Brien and the Coolmore partners, Christophe Soumillon will be back on board both Graffard runners.

Soumillon guided Quisisana to a maiden Group 1 success in Deauville’s Prix Jean Romanet (2000m), and in doing so, the Le Havre mare booked herself a “win-and-you’re-in” spot in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

“After the Arc, we ran her in the Champions Fillies and Mares Stakes (G1, 2400m) and she ran really well, but I definitely think a mile and a half is too far for her,” Graffard said. 

“She is a long-striding filly and I think a mile-and-a-quarter will be better for her, while I couldn’t be happier with her condition.”

Graffard is realistic when appraising the chances of Quisisana, though his appetite for a challenge means he relishes facing the highest-earning horse in racing history in his own backyard. 

Graffard said: “She’s in top form. Obviously, Romantic Warrior is all but impossible to beat, but I think my filly will run well and she can get a good place.”

While this may have been a career-defining year for Graffard, it is still a surprise to discover that he has only saddled one previous runner at this meeting, with Karar having finished 13th in the 2017 G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m). 

“It’s a meeting we have to be part of, but it’s quite hard to have the horses in top shape so late in the season,” he said. “Both of them seem to be in great condition, so I’m very happy to be part of the meeting.”