The upcoming edition of the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot promises to be a true showcase of world‑class middle‑distance racing, featuring a showdown between the best of France and Japan in what is effectively the second chapter of their heavyweight rivalry. Yet the contest is about far more than a simple rematch; the field also includes up to five additional Group One winners, among them a classic‑victorious three‑year‑old from Ballydoyle who could tip the scales in favour of the younger generation. This is precisely the kind of depth and drama that the King George was designed to deliver.
Fans can catch every moment of the two‑day King George weekend on Sky Sports Racing, with live coverage scheduled for Friday 24 July and Saturday 25 July. Among the headline names, French jockey Mickael Barzalona will partner trainer Francis‑Henri Graffard’s star runner, a horse whose rare blend of stamina and raw speed has made him a once‑in‑a‑lifetime talent. Imagine a horse that can sustain a mile‑and‑a‑half trip while still being able to unleash furlong times that would make a sprinter blush – sub‑11‑second furlongs on command and a cruising speed that routinely exceeds 40 miles per hour on the middle‑distance circuit.
The last time this horse truly hit its peak was in the finish of the Grand Prix de Saint‑Cloud, where it not only responded to a previous setback at Epsom – a course the horse has historically disliked – but also sent a clear message to rivals. While Ascot has always been a favourite venue for the animal, the recent performance at Saint‑Cloud confirmed that the horse can dominate on any premier track. Equally compelling is the narrative surrounding the world’s joint‑best horse, Ombudsman, who has been virtually unbeatable on home soil until a recent encounter with the Japanese champion Calandagan. Ombudsman’s relentless frequency of elite performances has forced French racing authorities to reconsider their regulations, hoping to retain his golden touch both domestically and abroad.
For now, however, Ascot offers the perfect stage for Calandagan to display his artistic flair and cement his status as a modern great. The program also highlights other notable storylines.
Hollie Doyle’s Thunder Call is slated to feature in the Shergar Cup, while Jamie Lynch has identified five international stars to watch as they clash on the Ascot turf. Former Premier League striker‑turned‑jockey Kevin Doyle will be chasing Cheltenham Festival glory aboard Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi, and a dramatic showdown is expected as Kalpana attempts to dethrone Calandagan in the King George itself. Legendary jockey Ryan Moore has recently been honoured with an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours, underscoring the deep connection between the sport’s elite riders and the broader cultural landscape. Meanwhile, Aidan O'Brien’s Benvenuto Cellini leads a four‑horse contingent for the Epsom Classic, adding further intrigue to the weekend’s lineup.
A recurring theme in the build‑up is the concept of "distance decay" – the idea that the closer two events are in time or space, the more relevant they become to each other. By that measure, Goliath’s 2024 King George triumph feels increasingly remote, especially since he has yet to replicate that form. His winning rating of 127 was two pounds higher than Calandagan’s assessment a year later, a reflection of the quality of his opponent Bluestocking and the manner of victory in a strongly run contest.
Recent form, however, suggests a resurgence for Calandagan. A commanding win in the Grand Prix de Chantilly followed by a seamless transition into contention in the Hardwicke hinted at a horse that could once again shine brightly on the world stage. Trainer Aidan O'Brien, with jockey yet to be confirmed, remains optimistic despite a season that has seen flashes of brilliance interspersed with disappointment. Turning to the Japanese contingent, Calandagan, now sharing top billing with the legendary Forever Young on the Longines Rankings, has already demonstrated an ability to handle extreme pressure.
A record‑setting performance in the Japan Cup – achieved as a three‑year‑old – showcases a maturity rarely seen at that age. Although his sole outing in Hong Kong’s QEII Cup resulted in a runner‑up finish behind Romantic Warrior, the effort confirmed his capacity to stay in contention even when forced to close from the back over 1¼ miles. If you asked Calandagan which opponent had tested him the most, he would likely name City of Troy first, followed by Masquerade Ball, and then Ombudsman.
Trainer Hiroshi Miyamoto and jockey Oisin Murphy both agree that while Calandagan’s recent races have stretched to two miles or more, his underlying speed and versatility remain his greatest assets. A six‑year‑old rating of 116 places him just behind the elite sprinters Lambourn and Action, but his adaptability across distances makes him a genuine threat. On the female side, a millionaire mare with seven victories, including back‑to‑back Fillies & Mares’ Stakes on Champions Day, continues to be defined by near‑misses rather than outright wins.
Her performance in last year’s race, where she reduced Calandagan to his weakest, remains a career highlight, yet she fell short in the Hardwicke to the formidable Giavellotto. Trainer Aidan O'Brien hopes she can convert that potential into a podium finish this time around. The concept of FOMO (fear of missing out) is echoed by the lesser‑known KIMO, a term that captures the regret of having missed a pivotal moment. For many, the 2025 Arc represented the pinnacle of their aspirations, only to be thwarted by a series of setbacks at the Breeders’ Cup and beyond.
While she managed a respectable win over a sub‑par Daryz in the Prince of Wales at Royal Ascot, she has yet to overcome the benchmark set by Ombudsman, whose summer dominance still looms large. Aidan O'Brien’s Benvenuto Cellini, despite a weight‑for‑age rating of 119 – which might seem modest against the King George’s firepower – continues to surprise.
Since Galileo’s 2001 triumph, O’Brien has only three Derby winners at three years old in the King George, with Auguste Rodin being a notable example. Benvenuto Cellini’s recent performances at Chester suggest there is still untapped potential waiting to be unleashed. Overall, the upcoming King George at Ascot is shaping up to be one of the season’s most compelling contests, perhaps even a race of the decade. Calandagan arrives with a résumé that spans continents, a record of high‑speed bursts, and a proven ability to adapt to varied racing conditions.
Whether he faces French challengers, Japanese rivals, or home‑grown talent, his preparation and confidence suggest he is ready to meet any challenge head‑on. The stage is set, the horses are primed, and the world will be watching as Ascot becomes the canvas for what could be a historic performance.