Peslier pays tribute to Goldikova

Jockey Olivier Peslier has led the tributes to Goldikova after the 14-time Group or Grade One winner passed away at the age of 16.

Becoming the first horse to complete a hat-trick in the Mile at the Breeders’ Cup, the daughter of Anabaa managed to win 17 of her 27 career starts for trainer Freddy Head.

An ever-present onboard, Preslier says he only has happy memories of his races on Goldikova, who was retired back in 2011 and went to produce several foals including Galileo filly Terrakova.

“It’s very sad that she has passed away. She was a champion and an amazing filly,” Peslier said. “We travelled all over the world together, going to America and winning three times at the Breeders’ Cup. We went to Royal Ascot and won and won many races in France as well, of course.

“It’s very similar to Frankie Dettori and Enable ? when you ride an amazing filly like that, she will be in your life forever. We have both ridden many winners and many Group One winners, but a filly like this ? winning 14 Group Ones ? it’s different.

“The owners were fantastic to keep her in training for as long as they did. She could have been retired, but the owners were like fans and they wanted to see her run.”

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