Calandagan's Remarkable Victory

French sensation Calandagan delivered a breathtaking performance at the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, held at the prestigious Ascot Racecourse. Trained by Francis-Henri Graffard and ridden by jockey Mickael Barzalona, Calandagan showcased his resilience and skill by coming from behind to overtake Kalpana and secure a decisive victory.

Race Highlights

The race began with Jan Brueghel, trained by Aidan O'Brien, setting a steady pace. As the race progressed, Kalpana surged to the front as they approached the final furlong. However, Calandagan, demonstrating his exceptional speed and stamina, made a powerful move to claim the lead and win by a length. Rebel's Romance, despite being boxed in on the rail, managed to secure third place in the five-runner field.

Trainer's Delight

Francis-Henri Graffard expressed his elation post-race, stating, "I'm so pleased for this horse. He won nicely again today, he's a good horse, that's two in a row now in Group Ones." This victory marks Graffard's second consecutive triumph in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, following Goliath's win last year.

Calandagan's Legacy

Calandagan's victory at Ascot adds to his impressive record, which includes a win at the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud and second-place finishes in four consecutive top-level Group One races. His performance has solidified his status as one of the leading contenders in the horse racing world.

Future Prospects

Despite her defeat, Kalpana, trained by Andrew Balding, has emerged as the general 8-1 favorite for the upcoming Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in October. The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, with its rich history and significant prize fund, continues to be a highlight of the Flat racing season.

Race History

The 2025 renewal of the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes marked the 75th running of the race, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Grundy's legendary victory over Bustino in what was dubbed 'the race of the century.' The event's illustrious roll call of winners includes iconic names such as Nijinsky, Shergar, Dancing Brave, and Galileo.

Prize Fund Announcement

In a significant development, it was announced that the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes will become Britain's richest race next year, with a prize fund of £2 million. This year's race boasted a purse of £1.5 million, underscoring its importance in the horse racing calendar.