The upcoming King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot promises to be a classic showdown, featuring a truly international field that underscores the race’s global stature. This year’s edition brings together the finest talent from France and Japan, marking the second chapter in a heavyweight rivalry that has captured the imagination of racing fans worldwide. Yet the contest is about more than a simple rematch; the entry list also includes up to 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. In short, this is the kind of spectacle the King George was designed to deliver.
Fans can follow every race from the King George weekend live on Sky Sports Racing on Friday 24 July and Saturday 25 July, ensuring that the drama unfolds in real time for a global audience. One of the headline attractions is the French miler‑to‑middle‑distance star ridden by Mickael Barzalona and trained by Francis‑Henri Graffard.
Horses of his calibre are rare; he combines the stamina required for a mile‑and‑a‑half trip with the turn‑of‑speed usually reserved for sprinters. He can effortlessly slice through furlongs in sub‑11‑second intervals and consistently exceeds the 40‑mph mark that defines elite middle‑distance performance.
His most impressive finish came in the Grand Prix de Saint‑Cloud, where he displayed a blend of raw acceleration and tactical acumen that left a lasting impression after a disappointing run at Epsom, a venue he has historically disliked. Ascot, by contrast, sits at the top of his preferred courses. Equally compelling is the Japanese champion known informally as the world’s joint‑best horse, Ombudsman, whose dominance at home has been virtually unchallenged—until the arrival of Calandagan.
Ombudsman’s string of high‑class victories has been so influential that French racing authorities are reportedly revisiting certain regulations to accommodate his growing international reputation. Calandagan, meanwhile, views Ascot as an ideal stage on which to showcase his brilliance, and the race could become a defining moment in his career. The weekend also features the Shergar Cup, with Hollie Doyle’s Thunder Call slated to make an impact. Jamie Lynch has identified five horses worth watching as international stars clash on the Ascot turf, adding further layers of intrigue to an already packed programme.
Beyond the main event, the card includes a range of storylines: former Premier League striker Kevin Doyle is now pursuing Cheltenham Festival success with Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi; Kalpana’s upset over Calandagan in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes; legendary jockey Ryan Moore’s recent MBE award; and Benvenuto Cellini leading an Aidan O'Brien‑filled quartet in the Epsom Derby classic. The concept of “distance decay” – the idea that nearer events are more influential than distant ones – is relevant when assessing the legacy of Goliath’s 2024 King George triumph.
His rating of 127, a full two pounds higher than Calandagan’s assessment a year later, reflects the quality of his opposition, notably Bluestocking, and the manner of his victory in a strongly‑run race that has yet to be replicated. Recent form hints at a resurgence for Calandagan, who impressed with a commanding win in the Grand Prix de Chantilly and a smooth passage through the Hardwicke, despite a slip by jockey Christophe Soumillon. A scenario exists where he could once again shine brightly on the Ascot stage.
Trainer Aidan O'Brien and a yet‑to‑be‑named jockey will handle another top contender whose dual Derby winner tag has yet to be fully realized. After a promising comeback win over Bay City Roller at Chester, the horse has struggled to maintain momentum, especially after a disappointing performance at Saint‑Cloud. From Japan, the 2025 Longines Rankings co‑leader, a three‑year‑old who set a course record in the Japan Cup, exemplifies the depth of talent on display. Though his sole 2025 outing – a runner‑up finish in Hong Kong’s QEII Cup behind Romantic Warrior – was modest, his potential for 2026 is significant, and he remains the most successful Japanese representative in the King George’s history.
Hiroshi Miyamoto’s charge, ridden by Oisin Murphy, is another intriguing prospect. Though not quite at the level of the legendary Masquerade Ball, this six‑year‑old’s recent performances over two miles and beyond, including a strong showing in the Tenno Sho (Spring), suggest he can stretch out to the 1½‑mile distance and perhaps surprise the field. Colin Keane and Andrew Balding’s filly, a millionaire with seven victories including back‑to‑back Fillies & Mares’ Stakes on Champions Day, often finds herself in the bridesmaid role, collecting seconds rather than wins. Her most notable performance came last year when she reduced Calandagan to his limits, though she later fell short in the Hardwicke to Giavellotto.
With the race now deeper than in 2025, she remains a serious podium contender. Aidan O'Brien’s stable also supplies a potential pacemaker, a horse who showed promise after a second place in the Dante but was modest at Epsom. Whether he will be employed to set the tempo at Ascot remains to be seen.
The enigmatic Benvenuto Cellini continues to generate buzz; his blend of feeling and intuition over raw data makes him a fascinating, if unpredictable, element in the race. Since Galileo’s 2001 triumph, O'Brien has only three Derby‑winning three‑year‑olds in the King George, with Auguste Rodin being a notable example that shares a certain symmetry with Cellini. All told, the field assembled for this King George is one of the strongest in recent memory, possibly defining the decade. Calandagan, in particular, appears undaunted; his résumé spans continents, his performances have grown in power, and his adaptability suggests he can meet any challenge the Ascot course presents.
With a blend of seasoned champions, emerging talent, and international intrigue, the race promises to be a highlight of the season and a compelling narrative for racing enthusiasts worldwide.