The upcoming King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot promises a thrilling renewal, with Calandagan, Masquerade Ball and a Ballydoyle quartet anchoring a field that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. This Group 1 contest, one of the highlights of the British summer racing calendar, features a nine‑horse lineup that blends proven champions, rising stars and seasoned campaigners, each bringing a distinct narrative to the race.
Calandagan arrives as the defending champion and the standout of last season, having been crowned the world’s top racehorse by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities. Under the guidance of trainer Francis‑Henri Graffard, the bay gelding captured the Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan before a disappointing run on soft ground at Epsom. He quickly rebounded by winning the Grand Prix de Saint‑Cloud, marking his sixth Group‑level triumph and confirming his status as a true elite performer. Riding him will be the talented French jockey Mickael Barzalona, who has forged a strong partnership with the horse over the past year.
Japanese contender Masquerage Ball, the previous year’s Tenno Sho victor, will be another major storyline. The colt finished a close second to Calandagan in the Japan Cup in November and followed that up with a solid runner‑up finish behind Romantic Warrior in Hong Kong over ten furlongs.
The extra distance of the King George, run over a mile and a half, should suit him well, although some observers have questioned his adaptability to Ascot’s unique track configuration. Japanese connections are hopeful that Masquerade Ball can finally break the nation’s long‑standing hoodoo in this race, where no Japanese horse has yet triumphed. The field also includes Kalpana and Goliath, two horses whose recent Hardwicke placings suggest they are evenly matched and capable of challenging the front‑runners. Aidan O'Brien will field four runners, the most of any trainer, headlined by Benvenuto Cellini.
The Irish Derby winner is stepping up to face older horses for the first time, and the booking of veteran jockey Ryan Moore adds a layer of intrigue; Moore’s experience could prove decisive in navigating the race’s early pace and positioning his mount for a late surge. In the valuable Moët & Chandon International Handicap at 2:55 p.m., Mezcala and Extremely Zain will contest a field of seventeen. Extremely Zain arrives unbeaten in three starts and appears to be on the cusp of Group‑class status after a dominant performance at York that saw him exceed a rating of 93.
The handicapper has responded with an eight‑pound increase, suggesting this may be his final run under handicap conditions. He will break from stall eight under Tom Marquand, who replaces Cieren Fallon for this event. The day’s program also features a series of supporting races that showcase both emerging talent and seasoned campaigners. Hollie Doyle is expected to ride Thunder Call in the Shergar Cup, while Jamie Lynch will have five horses representing the international squad at Ascot.
Former Premier League striker Kevin Doyle will be seen at the Cheltenham Festival with his mounts Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi, highlighting the cross‑sport appeal of horse racing. A noteworthy upset is anticipated as Kalpana is tipped to defeat Calandagan in the King George, a prediction that underscores the depth of the field. Meanwhile, legendary jockey Ryan Moore has been honored with an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours, a testament to his contributions to the sport. Benvenuto Cellini leads O'Brien’s quartet for the Epsom Classic, and Jack Channon’s Mezcala, who previously won the Spring Mile and the Buckingham Palace Stakes, will start from stall 13 with George Bass aboard.
Completely Random, who narrowly missed out over six furlongs at Wokingham, is expected to improve over the added distance, especially with Ryan Moore in the saddle. The Group 3 Valiant Stakes will feature a strong lineup, with particular attention on Touleen as she steps down in class. Owen Burrows’ three‑year‑old, who was a fast‑finishing runner‑up in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot, will tackle older horses for the first time with William Buick replacing Saffie Osborne.
She is rated seven pounds higher than her rivals and should be difficult to beat if she gets a clear run. Skydance, who previously defeated future Oaks winner Thundering On in a maiden at Leopardstown, remains a classy filly with the only concern being a layoff. Kon Tiki, after posting a career‑best fourth place behind Blue Bolt in the Duke of Cambridge Stakes at the Royal meeting, will be respected in this grade.
Sukanya and Esna are also rated as each‑way contenders. The Group 3 Princess Margaret Japan Cup Stakes at 1:45 p.m. will see Dark Issue and Alta Regina near the top of the betting for a high‑class renewal of this fillies’ contest.
Moonrise, who was unlucky in the Windsor Castle at Royal Ascot, is also a strong consideration for trainer Oisin Murphy and owner Andrew Balding. Later in the day, the 4:45 p.m. Betfred Handicap will feature Blue RC, Urban Lion and Crown Board, with Asmen Warrior also in contention for James Owen’s stable.
Beyond Ascot, Chester will host the IRE Incentive, It Pays To Buy Irish Maiden Stakes at 3:10 p.m., with Sea Idol leading a field of six. The main feature at Chester is the 3:48 p.m.
Wilson Family Handicap, where Postmodern, owned by Wathnan, is fancied to challenge for the Hamad Al Jehani. At Lingfield, Charlie Appleby will field the Godolphin‑owned Catching Dreams in the RJB Agri EBF Novice Stakes at 7:00 p.m. The colt, a promising newcomer, could make an immediate impact for a stable that has been on a strong run this season. Overall, the Ascot meeting offers a rich tapestry of storylines: from the defending champion Calandagan defending his crown, to the Japanese hope Masquerade Ball seeking to rewrite history, to the rising star Extremely Zain aiming to graduate from handicaps to Group company.
With top trainers, world‑class jockeys and a blend of international talent, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes is set to deliver a memorable spectacle for racing fans worldwide.