Kalpana secured a dramatic win in the prestigious King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, turning the tables on Calandagan, the very horse that had bested her a year earlier. Donning the iconic Juddmonte silks that had previously carried three‑time champion Enable, the five‑year‑old mare delivered a performance that combined tactical acumen, raw stamina, and a touch of sweet revenge. The race unfolded with a blistering early pace set by the Ballydoyle pacemaker Action, who galloped ahead to ensure a true test of stamina for the field. As the horses approached the final furlong, Kalpana surged forward, taking the lead with a decisive move that left her rivals scrambling for position.
Trained by Andrew Balding, the mare displayed a powerful, sustained run down the straight, extending her advantage and ultimately holding off a late challenge from last year’s winner Calandagan. The finish saw Kalpana cross the line one and a half lengths ahead, earning odds of 13‑2.
Trailing behind, Irish Derby victor Benvenuto Cellini, piloted by Ryan Moore, finished a respectable third, while the dual Derby champion Lambourn took fourth place. The field was a veritable who's‑who of contemporary flat racing: recent Classic winners, two high‑profile Japanese imports, the recent Arc runner‑up, and a collection of multiple Group One winners. On paper, it was billed as the race of the year, and the spectacle lived up to every expectation.
For Colin Keane, the jockey who rode Kalpana to victory, this triumph marked his most significant achievement since becoming Juddmonte’s retained rider. He praised the mare, noting her improvement and resilience: “She’s a very special mare.
We knew she had a real chance, but honestly, I thought a third‑place finish would already be a massive effort given the quality of the Japanese horse Masquerade Ball and the French contender. To win shows just how good she truly is.” Keane also highlighted Kalpana’s physical condition, recalling a comment from trainer Andrew Balding about her being lighter and leaner on the day: “She was about ten kilos lighter than last year, which was a good sign. She can accelerate almost instantly when I ask, and she pulls us out of trouble when we need it.
This is her best performance yet, especially given the international depth of the field.” Andrew Balding echoed the jockey’s enthusiasm, emphasizing the mare’s versatility and fitness: “She’s pretty damn good, isn’t she? She handles any ground and today everything clicked. Colin never needs directions; he knows exactly what to do.
I’ve felt she’s improved this year—she’s leaner, fitter, and more responsive. It’s a privilege to train for Juddmonte and to work with such exceptional horses.
My father, Ian Balding, won this race with Mill Reef, so it’s an extra special feeling.” Looking ahead, Balding hinted at possible future targets, mentioning the Arc and the Yorkshire Oaks as realistic options: “Anything is possible. The Arc didn’t work out last year because of the draw, but we’ll consider it again.
She’s thriving, so we can’t rule out the Yorkshire Oaks either.” Barry Mahon, Juddmonte’s European bloodstock and racing manager, also weighed in on the significance of the win: “Colin got a lovely trip round and was just waiting in the straight. This is one of the biggest days for me in my role, comparable to Bluestocking in the Arc and Field Of Gold at Royal Ascot last year. It’s a memorable victory. I’m not sure about the exact timeline between the Arc and Champions Day, but Paris will certainly be part of the conversation, and we’ll see what the owners decide.” Mahon praised Balding’s collaborative approach: “Working with Andrew is straightforward; he delivers great results for us.
He’s a brilliant people person with an excellent team around him.” The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, often regarded as the mid‑season crown jewel of British flat racing, tests the best middle‑distance horses over a mile and a half. Kalpana’s victory not only adds a prestigious Group One to her résumé but also cements her status as a top‑class mare capable of competing against the world’s elite. Her win also underscores the strength of the Juddmonte operation, which continues to produce world‑class performers under the stewardship of the Balding family.
In the broader context of the racing calendar, Kalpana’s triumph could influence the planning of autumn campaigns, especially the Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp and the British Champions Day at Ascot. Her demonstrated ability to handle a fast pace and finish strongly suggests she could be a serious contender in those events, should her connections decide to target them. Overall, Kalpana’s performance was a masterclass in race‑tactics, conditioning, and the synergy between horse, jockey, and trainer.
It provided an unforgettable moment for the spectators at Ascot and added another thrilling chapter to the storied history of the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes.