Calandagan storms to King George triumph at Ascot

The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot were won by French favorite Calandagan after coming from behind to defeat Kalpana.

Following Goliath last year, Calandagan, who was ridden by Mickael Barzalona, won trainer Francis-Henri Graffard for the second time in a row.

The 11-10 favorite’s attitude was questioned after he suffered a tight defeat to Jan Brueghel in the Coronation Cup at Epsom last month, but there was no doubt about his resolve this time.

After Calandagan, who ran in the Aga Khan’s green and red colors, won by a length, Graffard expressed his delight at the horse’s victory.

Before Kalpana, the eventual runner-up, hit the front entering the last furlong, Jan Brueghel, who was trained by Aidan O’Brien, continued his steady pace.

Calandagan finished second in four consecutive top-level Group One races, earning her the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud the last time.

When I actually saw my horse coming, I started shouting, he said, “I wanted to see him getting into his rhythm and lengthening his stride.”

He won again today, and he’s a good horse. Group Ones are now two in a row.

Despite her defeat, Andrew Balding’s Kalpana is the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in October as the overall 8-1 favorite.

The King George, which is a highlight of the Flat racing season, was announced on Saturday that the race would be the UK’s richest race of the year with a £2 million prize fund.

Its roll call of winners includes legendary artists like Nijinsky, Shergar, Dancing Brave, and Galileo, who also have a purse of £1.5 million this year.