Calandagan’s Triumph: A French Masterpiece in the 2025 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes

On a sunlit afternoon at Ascot Racecourse on July 26, 2025, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes unfolded as a spectacle of equine brilliance, tactical genius, and raw courage. The Francis-Henri Graffard-trained Calandagan, a four-year-old gelding, etched his name into racing history by storming to victory in this prestigious Group 1 race, following in the hoofprints of his stablemate Goliath, who claimed the title in 2024. With a breathtaking display of speed and resolve, Calandagan denied the gallant filly Kalpana, securing back-to-back wins for Graffard and delivering a moment that will linger in the hearts of racing fans.

The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, often dubbed the “Arc of the Summer,” is a 2,400-meter test that brings together the finest middle-distance horses in Europe. This year, the field was small but mighty, with only five runners taking to the track. Among them was Calandagan, the 11-10 favorite, carrying the iconic green and red colors of Aga Khan Studs. His primary rival, Jan Brueghel, trained by Aidan O’Brien, had bested him in the Coronation Cup at Epsom in June, setting the stage for a thrilling rematch. Yet, it was Kalpana, a four-year-old filly trained by Andrew Balding, who nearly stole the show with a bold move in the final furlong.

Calandagan’s journey to this triumph was one of persistence and redemption. After a string of near-misses in Group 1 races, including a second-place finish to Jan Brueghel at Epsom and a close defeat in the Juddmonte International Stakes the previous year, some questioned whether the son of Gleneagles had the heart to seize victory in a true dogfight. His emphatic win in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud in June, however, silenced doubters and set the stage for his Ascot heroics. “I never had any doubts about his willingness to win,” Graffard declared after the race. “Every time he has been beaten, he has had excuses. He was too far back in the Juddmonte International, and in Dubai, he was beaten by a very good horse.”

The race itself was a tactical chess match. Jan Brueghel, ridden by Ryan Moore, set a steady pace, with stablemate Continuous positioned just behind, defying expectations that the latter would act as a pacemaker. This unexpected strategy kept the field tightly bunched, forcing Calandagan’s jockey, Mickaël Barzalona, to bide his time at the rear. As the runners entered the straight, Kalpana, ridden by Oisin Murphy, surged clear, opening a two-length lead that briefly seemed insurmountable. For a fleeting moment, Graffard admitted to a pang of doubt. “When I saw the filly kick for home, I thought, ‘Oh my God, I’m going to finish second by a neck again,’” he confessed.

But Calandagan had other plans. With Barzalona’s expert guidance, the gelding found his rhythm, unleashing a devastating turn of foot down the outside. “The last 200 meters are long here, and I knew I was going to catch her,” Barzalona said, his voice brimming with confidence. As Calandagan surged past Kalpana, the Ascot crowd roared, witnessing a performance that blended class, courage, and precision. He crossed the line a length ahead, with Kalpana a valiant second and Rebel’s Romance, hampered by traffic, taking third. Jan Brueghel, unable to quicken, faded to fourth.

This victory was not just a personal triumph for Calandagan but a testament to Graffard’s growing stature as one of Europe’s elite trainers. Having guided Goliath to an upset win in the same race a year earlier, Graffard’s back-to-back successes place him in rare company, echoing the feats of legendary trainer Maurice Zilber, who won twice with Dahlia in the 1970s. “It’s a fantastic race,” Graffard said. “I love the sport and competition, and when you have a top horse in good form, it’s important to challenge yourself against the best.” His words reflect a philosophy that has seen him take on international giants, from Dubai to Ascot, with unwavering ambition.

For Aga Khan Studs, the win marked a fourth King George triumph, following the likes of Shergar, Alamshar, and Azamour. Nemone Routh, racing manager for Aga Khan Studs in France, emphasized the significance of the victory for the operation’s legacy. “It’s a great satisfaction to win this race,” she said. “Calandagan showed both his class and his courage today, and it’s important for our stallions and our brand to compete at this level internationally.”

Calandagan’s performance also earned him an automatic berth in the Breeders’ Cup Turf at Del Mar in November, courtesy of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series. However, Graffard is eyeing closer targets first, with the Juddmonte International Stakes at York in August a likely next step. “He’s proven in every race that he’s a very good horse, and the way he can quicken is impressive,” Graffard noted. “Whatever tactics the opposition have, we can be competitive.” The prospect of Calandagan returning to York, where he finished second last year, adds an element of intrigue—could this be the stage for another defining performance?

Kalpana, meanwhile, emerged as a star in defeat. Her bold move in the straight showcased her potential, and her second-place finish propelled her to 10/1 favoritism for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, a race Calandagan, as a gelding, is ineligible to contest. “She ran a blinder,” said a source close to Andrew Balding’s stable. “She gave everything, and with a more tactical race, she’ll be a force.” Rebel’s Romance, despite his traffic troubles, showed enough to suggest he remains a contender in top-tier races, while Jan Brueghel’s lackluster performance raised questions about his suitability for leading at this level.

The 2025 King George was not just a race but a narrative of redemption, strategy, and sheer equine brilliance. Calandagan’s victory, delivered with a blend of patience and explosive power, answered every question posed about his resolve. For Graffard, it was a moment of vindication; for Barzalona, a masterclass in timing; and for Aga Khan Studs, a continuation of a storied legacy. As the Ascot crowd cheered and Queen Camilla presented the trophy, the scene was a reminder of why this race captivates the racing world.

What lies ahead for Calandagan? Will he conquer York, or perhaps take his talents to Japan or the Breeders’ Cup? One thing is certain: this French raider has announced himself as a global force, and the racing world is watching with bated breath. For now, the memory of his charge down Ascot’s straight, overtaking a valiant rival under a summer sky, is enough to keep fans dreaming of what’s next.