G1 Wins Come in Pairs for Graffard

Leading French trainer's Sahlan and Goliath triumphant in France and Germany features

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PARIS - Top French trainer Francis-Henri Graffard was pleased as punch after he brought up two Group 1 wins in a day, albeit at two different meetings.

The Chantilly-based handler first landed the €300,000 (S$450,000) Group 1 Grosser Preis von Baden (2,400m) with Goliath ($21) at Baden-Baden on Sept 7, the last day of Germany's grand summer meeting, the Grosse Woche. The Adlerflug five-year-old made all under Clement Lecoeuvre and beat Dubai Honour into second.

Less than half an hour later, he completed a remarkable Group 1 double with Sahlan narrowly taking out the €800,000 Prix du Moulin (1,600m) at ParisLongchamp on Arc Trials day.

After seizing what looked like a decisive advantage over The Lion In Winter (Wayne Lordan) - who had himself taken control from the front runner Alcantor (Cristian Demuro) - Sahlan (Mickael Barzalona, $52) was challenged late by British colt Rosallion (Sean Levey).

Rosallion, who flashed home on the outside with a storming run, was denied by a short head.

The Aidan O'Brien-trained Irish favourite Henri Matisse (Christophe Soumillon) could manage only a disappointing fifth.