The upcoming King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot promises to be a truly spectacular edition of one of the sport's most celebrated contests. This year the race has taken on an international dimension, with top‑class representatives from France and Japan meeting again in the second chapter of their heavyweight rivalry. Yet the event is far more than a simple rematch.
The field is bolstered by at least five additional Group One winners, among them a Classic‑victorious three‑year‑old from the legendary Ballydoyle stable, whose presence injects fresh generational intrigue into the mix. In short, this is exactly the kind of high‑calibre showdown that the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes were designed to deliver. Fans can catch every moment of the two‑day King George weekend live on Sky Sports Racing, with coverage scheduled for Friday 24 July and Saturday 25 July. The broadcast will feature in‑depth analysis, jockey interviews and on‑track action from the historic venue.
One of the standout protagonists is the French colt ridden by Mickael Barzalona and trained by Francis‑Henri Graffard. Horses of his calibre are a rarity; he combines the stamina required for a mile‑and‑a‑half contest with the raw speed usually reserved for sprint specialists. In the final straight of the Grand Prix de Saint‑Cloud he demonstrated an ability to cover furlongs in sub‑11‑second tempo, repeatedly breaching the 40‑mph barrier that separates middle‑distance workhorses from true champions. That performance remains his benchmark, a statement of intent after a disappointing run at Epsom, a venue that sits low on his preference list, while Ascot is clearly his favourite.
Equally compelling is the Japanese superstar, often described as the world’s joint‑best horse, whose unbeaten run at home was finally halted by Calandagan. The frequency and intensity of his elite performances have elevated him to modern‑great status, prompting French racing authorities to consider rule changes so that his brilliance can be recognised both domestically and abroad.
Ascot now offers the perfect canvas for Calandagan to showcase his flair, and the race will likely be a defining chapter in his career. The program also includes a number of other notable storylines. Hollie Doyle’s Thunder Call is slated to feature in the Shergar Cup, another highlight of the Ascot meeting that will be streamed live on Sky Sports Racing.
Kevin Doyle, a former Premier League striker turned jockey, will be chasing Cheltenham Festival glory aboard Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi. Meanwhile, Kalpana is set to challenge Calandagan in the King George itself, and Ryan Moore has been honoured with an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours, underscoring his legendary status. In the Derby, Benvenuto Cellini will lead a four‑horse contingent for Aidan O'Brien at Epsom, while Christophe Soumillon and Francis‑Henri Graffard will team up again for another French contender.
The concept of "distance decay" – the idea that nearer events are more closely related than distant ones – is evident as the 2024 King George win by Goliath becomes a historical footnote, its impact diluted by time. Goliath’s rating of 127, two pounds higher than Calandagan’s assessment a year later, reflected the quality of his opposition, particularly Bluestocking, and the strongly‑run nature of that race. Recent form has added fresh intrigue. Calandagan’s dominant displays in the Grand Prix de Chantilly and a smooth run in the Hardwicke suggest he could shine again, despite a slip by Soumillon that briefly threatened his momentum.
Aidan O'Brien’s stable will field an as‑yet‑unnamed jockey for one of his entries, highlighting the depth of talent on display. The Japanese campaign continues to produce headline‑making moments. Sharing the top spot on the Longines Rankings for 2025 with the legendary Forever Young, Calandagan set a new course record in the Japan Cup while still a three‑year‑old – a feat that underscores his extraordinary ability. His sole start in 2026, a runner‑up finish in the QEII Cup in Hong Kong behind Romantic Warrior, proved he can still compete at the highest level despite a modest showing.
When asked about his toughest rivals, Calandagan would likely name City of Troy first, followed by Masquerade Ball, and then Ombudsman – a testament to the depth of his experience against world‑class competition. Trainer Hiroshi Miyamoto and jockey Oisin Murphy will be keen to see how the Japanese horse adapts to the unique demands of Ascot’s turf. Among the female contenders, a millionaire mare with seven victories, including back‑to‑back Fillies & Mares' Stakes on Champions Day, remains a perpetual bridesmaid – consistently finishing second but rarely capturing the top spot. Her performance last year, where she pushed Calandagan to his limits, was a career highlight, though she was subsequently out‑finished by Giavellotto in the Hardwicke.
With a deeper field this year, she still possesses the talent to reach the podium again. The concept of FOMO (fear of missing out) and its past‑tense counterpart KIMO (fear of having missed out) have been echoed throughout the season, particularly in reference to the 2025 Arc, which many view as a turning point for certain horses. While some have struggled to replicate their form at the Breeders' Cup, others, like the mare who turned the tables on a sub‑par Daryz in the Prince of Wales at Royal Ascot, continue to chase that elusive Group One triumph. Aidan O’Brien’s influence remains pervasive.
Since Galileo’s 2001 victory, O’Brien has only secured three Derby wins at the King George with three‑year‑olds, one of which was Auguste Rodin – a horse that shares a certain intangible symmetry with Benvenuto Cellini, even if the comparison is more emotional than statistical. Overall, the field assembled for this year’s King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes is arguably one of the strongest in recent memory, potentially defining the decade. Calandagan, in particular, appears unflappable; his résumé spans continents, his ratings have consistently risen, and his performances suggest he is ready to meet any challenge head‑on.
With a blend of seasoned veterans, rising stars, and international intrigue, the race promises to be a landmark event for racing enthusiasts worldwide.