The upcoming edition of the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot promises to be a classic showdown, featuring the finest talent from across the globe. This year the race will showcase a second‑hand clash between the leading French and Japanese heavyweights, but the intrigue goes far beyond a simple rematch. In the field are as many as five additional Group One winners, among them a Classic‑victorious three‑year‑old from Ballydoyle who could spark a generational battle.
This is exactly the kind of deep, high‑quality contest that the King George is designed to deliver. Fans can catch every minute 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 include pre‑race analysis, live commentary from the course and post‑race interviews, ensuring that viewers get a full picture of the drama as it unfolds. One of the standout protagonists is the French colt ridden by Mickael Barzalona and trained by Francis‑Henri Graffard.
This horse is a rare specimen: a true middle‑distance performer who can also unleash sprint‑level speed when required. He has demonstrated the ability to cover a furlong in under eleven seconds at will, and he regularly exceeds the 40 mph mark that most staying horses never approach.
His most impressive display came in the finish of the Grand Prix de Saint‑Cloud, where he not only responded to a challenging ride but also sent a clear message after a disappointing run at Epsom, a venue he has historically disliked. Ascot, by contrast, sits at the top of his preferred course list. Equally compelling is the Japanese champion, often described as the world’s joint‑best horse.
Until his meeting with Calandagan, he had been virtually unbeatable on his home track. His string of elite performances has been so dominant that French racing authorities are considering rule changes to accommodate his extraordinary talent both domestically and abroad.
Ascot offers a perfect canvas for this horse to showcase his brilliance, and many expect him to paint a masterpiece on the turf. The weekend’s action is not limited to the King George.
The Shergar Cup will also be on the agenda, with jockey Hollie Doyle expected to ride Thunder Call for the competition. Jamie Lynch has identified five horses that he believes will be the key players in the Shergar Cup, highlighting the international flavor of the event. Other storylines include former Premier League striker Kevin Doyle’s pursuit of Cheltenham Festival success with his horses Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi, and a thrilling showdown between Kalpana and Calandagan in the King George itself.
Legendary jockey Ryan Moore will be honoured with an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours, adding a touch of ceremony to the festivities. 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 on a French contender. The concept of "distance decay"—the idea that nearer events have a stronger influence than more distant ones—has been invoked to explain the lingering impact of Goliath’s 2024 King George victory. Goliath’s rating of 127 in that win was two pounds higher than Calandagan’s assessment a year later, a reflection of the quality of the field he defeated, notably Bluestocking, in a hard‑pressed race.
Recent form has added fresh intrigue. Calandagan’s dominant displays at the Grand Prix de Chantilly and his smooth passage through the Hardwicke have raised expectations, even though a slip by Soumillon’s foot threatened to derail his momentum.
Aidan O'Brien’s stable will field a mystery rider for one of the entries, keeping fans guessing about the final lineup. The Japanese side also brings excitement. A three‑year‑old, sharing the top spot in the Longines Rankings with the legendary Forever Young, impressed by setting a course record in the Japan Cup. Despite his youth, he handled the demanding distance and pace, suggesting he could be a serious threat at Ascot.
His only start in Hong Kong, a runner‑up finish in the QEII Cup behind Romantic Warrior, demonstrated his ability to close strongly from the back of the field over 1¼ miles. Trainer Hiroshi Miyamoto and jockey Oisin Murphy will guide this Japanese hope, who many consider the best representative Japan has ever sent to the King George. When asked which opponent has been the toughest, Calandagan himself might name City of Troy first and Masquerade Ball second, with Ombudsman trailing.
Another Japanese contender, a six‑year‑old with a rating of 116, has shown stamina in races over two miles, though his most notable victory came in the Tenno Sho (Spring) where he beat the fast‑finishing Masquerade Ball in the previous year’s Japanese Derby. While his rating places him behind the elite of the group, his experience at extended distances could prove valuable in a race that often tests both speed and endurance. On the female side, a millionaire mare with seven wins, including back‑to‑back Fillies & Mares’ Stakes on Champions Day, remains a consistent runner‑up rather than a frequent winner. Her performance in last year’s Hardwicke, where she challenged Calandagan before being outclassed by Giavellotto, suggests she still possesses the class to reach the podium again.
The narrative of "fear of missing out" (FOMO) and its counterpart "fear of having missed out" (KIMO) also features in the build‑up. One filly’s career appears to have been defined by near‑misses, notably a strong run in the 2025 Arc that was undermined by a mis‑step at the Breeders’ Cup. Though she turned the tables on a lesser opponent in the Prince of Wales at Royal Ascot, she has yet to defeat the formidable Ombudsman, leaving a gap in her résumé that a return to 1½ miles could potentially fill. Aidan O'Brien’s stable continues to generate buzz, with several horses positioned as potential pacemakers or dark horses.
One colt, after a second place in the Dante, performed modestly at Epsom but showed promise when front‑running in the Irish equivalent. His rating of 119, while respectable, still leaves room for improvement, especially when compared to the legendary Galileo’s impact on the King George. Overall, the field assembled for the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes reads like a who's‑who of contemporary flat racing. From the French speedster to the Japanese stamina specialist, from seasoned veterans to rising three‑year‑olds, the race offers a rare blend of international talent and domestic pride.
Calandagan, with his impressive résumé and global experience, enters as the favorite, yet the depth of the competition ensures that any horse could seize the moment. The stakes are high, the narratives are rich, and the anticipation is palpable.
Whether you are a long‑time racing enthusiast or a casual observer, the Ascot weekend promises to deliver one of the season’s most memorable spectacles. Tune in, follow the analysis, and enjoy the drama as the world’s best thoroughbreds vie for glory on the historic turf of Ascot.