Calandagan delivered a stunning performance to claim victory in the 75th running of the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, securing back-to-back wins in the race for trainer Francis-Henri Graffard. Ridden confidently by Mickael Barzalona, the 11-10 favourite overcame tactical challenges and a steady early pace to triumph in a dramatic finish.
The race began with a surprising twist as Continuous, expected to set the tempo for stablemate Jan Brueghel, was held back in a supporting role. Ryan Moore guided Jan Brueghel to a modest pace up front, while Barzalona found himself at the rear of the five-runner field. This slow gallop seemingly played into the hands of Kalapana, who had come agonisingly close to a top-level win last month and looked poised for victory when she surged ahead a quarter of a mile from home.
Kalapana created a clear lead with a strong turn of foot, but Calandagan responded powerfully. Showing improved balance and fluency compared to his previous outing at Epsom, he rapidly closed the gap in the final furlong. With about a dozen strides left, he edged past Kalapana and crossed the line a length clear.
The victory marked Calandagan’s second consecutive Group One success and confirmed his reputation as a top-tier middle-distance performer. After several near-misses in elite company, the gelding demonstrated both his class and finishing speed. His consistency and adaptability now make him a likely contender for the International Stakes at York next month, a race in which he finished second last year.
While Calandagan is ineligible for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe due to his gelding status, Kalapana remains a prominent candidate for the Paris showpiece. Her effort at Ascot was described as a career-best by connections, and she will be aimed squarely at the Arc in October.
Meanwhile, at York, Royal Champion pulled off a notable upset in the York Stakes. The seven-year-old surged clear to claim his first Group Two victory, defeating the heavily backed Almaqam by nearly three lengths. Despite recent form suggesting superiority, Almaqam couldn’t respond to the finishing burst of Karl Burke’s seasoned runner.
