The upcoming edition of the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascendancy Racecourse promises to be a classic showdown, a true test of stamina and speed that will draw the finest talent from across the globe. This year’s field is stacked with heavyweight contenders from France and Japan, marking the second chapter of a burgeoning rivalry between the two racing powerhouses. Yet the contest is about far more than a simple rematch; it features a host of additional Group One winners, including a pivotal Classic‑victorious three‑year‑old from the legendary Ballydoyle stable, whose presence injects a generational narrative into the mix.
In short, this is the sort of spectacle the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes were designed to deliver. Fans can catch every moment of the King George weekend live on Sky Sports Racing, with coverage spanning Friday 24 July and Saturday 25 July. Among the headline riders is Mickaël Barzalona, who will be aboard the French‑trained star under the guidance of Francis‑Henri Graffard. Barzalona’s mount is a rare breed: a true mile‑and‑a‑half performer who can also unleash sprint‑level acceleration.
In recent outings the horse has covered furlongs in sub‑11‑second bursts and consistently breached the 40 mph barrier over middle distances, a combination that makes him a genuine threat to any opponent. The last time this colt truly shone was in the finish of the Grand Prix de Saint‑Cloud, where he delivered a performance that was both a reaction to a disappointing run at Epsom and a statement of intent.
While Epsom sits low on his list of preferred venues, Ascot occupies the top spot, and the upcoming race is poised to be his defining moment. Equally compelling is the presence of the world‑joint‑best, known informally as Ombudsman, a horse that has dominated the track until being challenged by the Japanese marvel Calandagan.
Calandagan’s relentless frequency of elite performances has elevated him to modern‑great status, even prompting French racing authorities to reconsider regulations so his brilliance can be showcased both domestically and abroad. Ascot now offers the perfect canvas for Calandagan to paint another masterpiece. Other notable storylines include Hollie Doyle’s Thunder Call, slated to feature in the Shergar Cup at Ascot, and a lineup of five international stars that Jamie Lynch recommends watching closely on Saturday. Kevin Doyle, a former Premier League striker turned trainer, will be eyeing Cheltenham Festival glory with his horses Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi.
Meanwhile, Kalpana’s recent triumph over Calandagan in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes adds another layer of intrigue, as does the recent MBE award to legendary jockey Ryan Moore in the King’s Birthday Honours. The Derby scene is also heating up, with Benvenuto Cellini leading a quartet of Aidan O’Brien‑trained runners at Epsom. Christophe Soumillon, paired once again with Graffard, will be looking to repeat his previous success, though recent performances have shown a slight dip in form.
His rating of 127 after the 2024 King George win still outstrips Calandagan’s rating a year later, reflecting the quality of his opposition, notably Bluestocking, and the manner of his victory. Recent form hints at a resurgence for Calandagan, who displayed a dazzling turn of speed in the Grand Prix de Chantilly and a smooth transition into contention in the Hardwicke before an untimely slip by Soumillon.
Trainer Aidan O’Brien and an as‑yet‑unconfirmed jockey will be hoping to harness that brilliance once more. Across the channel, Takahisa Tezuka’s Japanese contender, a three‑year‑old who shares the top spot on the Longines Rankings with the legendary Forever Young, impressed with a record‑breaking Japan Cup effort. Despite being only a juvenile, his performances suggest a bright future, especially as he prepares for a potential 2026 campaign.
In Hong Kong, the same horse finished a respectable runner‑up in the QEII Cup to Romantic Warrior, proving his ability to handle a fast‑finishing race from the back of the field. His rating of 116 places him just behind the elite ranks of Lambourn and Action, but his trajectory indicates he could soon bridge that gap. Colin Keane will be aboard a seasoned six‑year‑old who has excelled over extended distances, most recently in the Tenno Sho (Spring) where he bested the fast‑finishing Masquerade Ball. Though his rating trails the very top tier, his experience at two miles and beyond makes him a valuable long‑shot in the King George mix.
Female talent will also be on display. A filly with seven career wins, including back‑to‑back Fillies & Mares’ Stakes on Champions Day, has often been labeled a bridesmaid, frequently finishing second rather than first.
Her standout performance last year saw her push Calandagan to his limits, though she ultimately fell short to Giavellotto in the Hardwicke. With the distance returning to 1½ miles, she could finally convert her consistency into a podium finish. Aidan O’Brien’s stable will feature several more entries, some potentially serving as pacemakers, while the enigmatic Benvenuto Cellini remains a subject of debate.
Critics argue his rating of 119 is modest for a King George contender, yet his dramatic run in the Irish Derby and a strong showing at Chester suggest untapped potential. Since Galileo’s triumph in 2001, O’Brien has produced only three three‑year‑old Derby winners for the King George, one of them being Auguste Rodin, who shares a certain kinship with Benvenuto Cellini in terms of temperament and racing style.
All told, the field promises a top‑tier contest that could rank among the season’s, if not the decade’s, most memorable races. Calandagan, armed with an impressive résumé and a proven ability to dominate on multiple continents, appears unfazed by the competition.
Whether he faces a seasoned veteran, a rising star, or a dark horse, his confidence and versatility suggest he will have an answer for every challenge that Ascot throws his way.