The upcoming King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot promises to be a classic showcase of world‑class thoroughbreds, featuring a thrilling showdown between the finest representatives of France and Japan in the second chapter of their heavyweight rivalry. Yet the contest is about far more than a simple rematch. A full field of Group One winners will line up, including a pivotal three‑year‑old Classic victor from Ballydoyle who could tip the balance of the generational battle. This is precisely the kind of spectacle the King George was designed to deliver.
Fans can catch every moment of the King George weekend – Friday 24 July and Saturday 25 July – live on Sky Sports Racing. The coverage will include pre‑race analysis, live commentary, and post‑race interviews, ensuring that viewers experience the drama from start to finish. One of the headline attractions is the French contender ridden by Mickael Barzalona and trained by Francis‑Henri Graffard. Horses of his calibre are a rarity; he combines the stamina required for a mile‑and‑a‑half trip with the blistering turn of foot usually reserved for sprinters.
In the Grand Prix de Saint‑Cloud he demonstrated the ability to accelerate through sub‑11‑second furlongs and sustain speeds that breach the 40‑mph threshold, a feat that few middle‑distance runners can match. Although his performance at Epsom was disappointing – the course sits near the bottom of his preferences – Ascot is widely regarded as his favorite venue, and the upcoming race could be the perfect stage for him to reaffirm his superiority. Equally compelling is the Japanese champion, often described as the world’s joint‑best horse, who has dominated domestic tracks until his recent clash with the French star Calandagan. Calandagan’s meteoric rise has forced French racing authorities to reconsider their regulations, as his victories have been so decisive that they threaten to reshape the competitive landscape both at home and abroad.
Ascot provides an ideal canvas for Calandagan’s artistry; his blend of speed, stamina, and tactical versatility makes him a genuine threat to any opponent. The programme also highlights several other notable stories.
Hollie Doyle and her mount Thunder Call are expected to feature in the Shergar Cup, while former Premier League striker Kevin Doyle is now pursuing success at the Cheltenham Festival with his horses Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi. In the King George itself, Kalpana is set to challenge Calandagan for supremacy, and legendary jockey Ryan Moore has been honoured with an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours. Aidan O'Brien will field a four‑horse contingent for the Derby at Epsom, with Benvenuto Cellini leading the pack.
The Irish trainer’s involvement adds another layer of intrigue, especially given his recent record of producing Derby winners who excel at the King George. Meanwhile, Christophe Soumillon, also riding for Graffard, will be looking to recover after a slip that cost him a crucial position in a previous race. The concept of "distance decay" – the idea that nearer events exert more influence than distant ones – is relevant when assessing the 2024 King George winner Goliath.
His rating of 127, two pounds higher than Calandagan’s assessment a year later, reflects the quality of his victory over Bluestocking in a strongly‑run contest. However, Goliath has yet to replicate that form, and his subsequent performances, including a win at the Grand Prix de Chantilly and a solid showing in the Hardwicke, suggest that he still possesses the capacity to shine. Trainer Takahisa Tezuka and jockey Christophe Lemaire will represent Japan’s top horse of 2025, a three‑year‑old who matched the legendary Forever Young in the Longines Rankings after a record‑breaking Japan Cup effort. Though his career is still in its early stages, his achievements at a young age hint at a bright future, especially as he prepares for a potential 2026 campaign.
On the female side, a millionaire mare with seven victories, including back‑to‑back Fillies & Mares’ Stakes on Champions Day, has often been described as a bridesmaid – consistently placing but rarely winning at the highest level. Her most memorable effort came last year when she pushed Calandagan to his limits, only to be outclassed by Giavellotto in the Hardwicke. The upcoming race could provide her with another chance to reach the podium.
The narrative surrounding Benvenuto Cellini is equally compelling. Though his rating of 119 may appear modest compared to the top‑weight field, his performances at the Irish Derby and Chester suggest untapped potential. Since the days of Galileo in 2001, Aidan O'Brien has produced only three three‑year‑old Derby winners for the King George, with Auguste Rodin being the most recent.
Benvenuto Cellini’s blend of raw talent and tactical acumen places him among the most intriguing prospects for the race. Overall, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes this year promises a high‑octane mix of international talent, seasoned veterans, and emerging stars.
With Calandagan’s unbeaten record, the French challenger’s explosive turn of foot, Japan’s rising three‑year‑old, and a host of other Group One winners vying for glory, the race is poised to become a defining moment of the season – perhaps even a decade‑defining contest. Ascot’s unique straight and sweeping bends will test each horse’s ability to adapt, and the final outcome will hinge on which runner can best combine speed, stamina, and tactical intelligence on the day.