The upcoming King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot promises to be a showcase of world‑class talent, featuring a dramatic showdown between the leading contenders from France and Japan in what can be described as the second chapter of their heavyweight rivalry. Yet the contest is about far more than a simple rematch. The field is stacked with at least five additional Group One winners, among them a Classic‑victorious three‑year‑old from the legendary Ballydoyle stable, poised to inject fresh generational intrigue into the mix.
This is precisely the kind of depth and excitement that the King George is meant to deliver. Fans can tune in to every race of King George Weekend on Sky Sports Racing, with live coverage scheduled for Friday 24 July and Saturday 25 July. The programme will feature top‑flight jockeys and trainers, including Mickael Barzalona aboard a horse that has rarely, if ever, been seen in such dominant form. Barzalona’s mount combines the stamina required for a mile‑and‑a‑half trip with the blistering speed of a sprinter, capable of cruising through furlongs in sub‑11‑second intervals and regularly topping the 40‑mph mark that defines elite middle‑distance performers.
The horse’s most impressive display came in the closing stages of the Grand Prix de Saint‑Cloud, where it produced a finishing burst that was both a reaction to a previous disappointment at Epsom and a statement of intent for Ascot, a venue it clearly favors. While Epsom has historically sat low on its list of preferred courses, Ascot sits at the very top, offering the ideal canvas for a horse of this caliber. Across the international spectrum, the joint‑best horse in the world, known colloquially as "Ombudsman," has been virtually untouchable on home soil—until the arrival of Calandagan. The Japanese champion’s performances have been so consistently elite that French racing authorities are reportedly considering rule changes simply to accommodate his growing influence both domestically and abroad.
Ascot now represents the perfect stage for Calandagan to showcase his versatility and artistic flair. Other storylines add further depth to the weekend. Hollie Doyle is expected to feature prominently with Thunder Call, a contender likely to make an impact in the Shergar Cup, also broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The Shergar Cup itself will see five of Jamie Lynch’s picks battle for international glory, while former Premier League striker Kevin Doyle will chase Cheltenham Festival success with his horses Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi.
In the King George race itself, the narrative pits Calandagan against Kalpana in a clash that could rewrite recent history. Meanwhile, legendary jockey Ryan Moore has been honoured with an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours, underscoring the prestige surrounding this meeting. Over at Epsom, Aidan O'Brien’s four‑horse contingent, led by Benvenuto Cellini, will aim to dominate the Derby, adding another layer of intrigue for the weekend’s racing enthusiasts.
The concept of "distance decay"—the idea that nearer events are more relevant than distant ones—offers a useful lens for understanding the significance of the 2024 King George victory by Goliath. Although Goliath’s rating of 127 was a full two pounds higher than Calandagan’s assessment a year later, the win remains a distant memory, especially since Goliath has never fully replicated that performance. The rating reflects the quality of the field he beat, notably Bluestocking, and the manner of his victory in a strongly run race that has not been repeated since.
Recent form, however, suggests a resurgence. Calandagan’s dominant win in the Grand Prix de Chantilly and a smooth run in the Hardwicke hinted at a return to top‑form, despite a slip by jockey Christophe Soumillon that briefly interrupted the rhythm. The scenario of Calandagan shining once more is increasingly plausible.
Trainer Aidan O'Brien and an as‑yet‑undecided jockey will be looking to capitalize on this momentum. Yet the horse’s earlier promise as a dual Derby winner has not fully materialised this season, with a disappointing comeback win over Bay City Roller at Chester serving as a false positive. Subsequent races have been less convincing, especially after a challenging encounter with Calandagan at Saint‑Cloud.
Turning to Japan, the nation’s leading horse of 2025—forever linked with the legendary Forever Young in the Longines Rankings—has demonstrated remarkable versatility. A strong showing in the Japan Cup, where he set a course record, underscored his talent, especially given his three‑year‑old status at the time.
Fans can stay updated with the latest racing news, interviews, and features via mobile platforms, ensuring they never miss a beat of the action. Looking ahead to 2026, Calandagan appears poised to become even more powerful, having already placed second in the QEII Cup in Hong Kong behind another modern great, Romantic Warrior, after a valiant late charge over 1¼ miles. Calandagan is widely regarded as the finest Japanese export to the King George, and if asked which opponent has tested him most, he would likely name City of Troy first, followed by Masquerade Ball, with Ombudsman trailing behind.
Trainer Hiroshi Miyamoto and jockey Oisin Murphy will be keen to see if the horse can reaffirm that hierarchy. A contemporary of Masquerade Ball, Calandagan competes in a slightly different class. His recent races have stretched beyond two miles, with the elite Croix du Nord finally prevailing in the Tenno Sho (Spring) in May, a race that also saw Masquerade Ball finish strongly in the previous year’s Japanese Derby.
At six years old, Calandagan carries a rating of 116, trailing only behind the likes of Lambourn and Action. Colin Keane and trainer Andrew Balding will be watching closely, especially as they assess the performance of a millionaire mare with seven victories, including back‑to‑back Fillies & Mares' Stakes on Champions Day. Despite her impressive resume, she has often been labelled a bridesmaid, more noted for her runner‑up finishes than her wins.
Her standout moment came last year when she pushed Calandagan to his limits, delivering a career‑defining performance that was later eclipsed in the Hardwicke by Giavellotto, her most formidable rival. Aidan O’Brien’s stable will again feature prominently, with several horses yet to be assigned jockeys. The phenomenon of FOMO (fear of missing out) is well known in racing circles, but an even rarer feeling—KIMO, the regret of having missed an opportunity—has haunted some owners after the 2025 Arc, where a near‑miss on the straight left a lasting impression. Although she turned the tables on a lesser‑rated Daryz in the Prince of Wales at Royal Ascot, she has yet to confront Ombudsman, whose spark remains elusive.
The return to the classic 1½‑mile distance could provide the missing piece for her to unleash her full potential, though the odds remain more speculative than certain. Meanwhile, the Irish Derby’s Dante runner‑up, who faded at Epsom but showed front‑running promise in the Irish equivalent, may serve as a pacemaker in the King George, a role that could prove pivotal. For those who find facts uncomfortable, the emotional narrative surrounding Benvenuto Cellini offers an alternative lens. Since Galileo’s 2001 triumph, Aidan O’Brien has produced only three Derby‑winning three‑year‑olds in the King George, one of which was Auguste Rodin—an antecedent with which Cellini shares a certain kinship, more in spirit than in statistics.
In summary, the upcoming King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot is shaping up to be one of the season’s marquee events, perhaps even a decade‑defining race. Calandagan enters the contest with an enviable résumé, having proven his mettle across continents and distances. Armed with experience, confidence, and a proven track record, he appears ready to meet any challenge the Royal Meeting throws his way.