The upcoming King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot promises a thrilling showdown, with Calandagan, Masquerade Ball and a Ballydoyle quartet taking centre stage. The race, a Group 1 classic, will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing, offering fans a front‑row seat to one of the most prestigious events on the British racing calendar. Calandagan, the defending champion, arrives as the clear favourite among a nine‑horse field. Trained by Francis‑Henri Graffard, the colt finished the previous season as the world’s top‑rated racehorse and has continued to build on that reputation.
After a dominant victory in the Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan, he struggled on soft ground at Epsom but quickly rebounded with a win in the Grand Prix de Saint‑Cloud. That triumph marked his sixth Group‑level success and demonstrated his versatility under jockey Mickael Barzalona.
Fans will be eager to see whether he can repeat his brilliance over the 12‑furlong distance at Ascot. Japan’s own Masquerade Ball provides the most compelling foreign challenge. The horse was a close second to Calandagan in the Japan Cup last November and later confirmed his class by finishing runner‑up to Romantic Warrior in Hong Kong over ten furlongs.
While the extra two furlongs at Ascot may suit him, there are lingering questions about how well he handles the undulating Ascot track. Nonetheless, Japanese connections are hopeful that he can finally break the nation’s long‑standing “King George hoodoo” and secure a historic victory.
Also worth watching are Kalpana and Goliath, both of whom have produced strong performances in the Hardwicke Stakes. Their recent form suggests they could be serious contenders, especially if the pace suits their running styles.
Meanwhile, Aidan O'Brien will field a quartet of runners, headlined by Benvenuto Cellini. The Irish Derby winner is stepping up to face older horses for the first time, and the booking of Ryan Moore adds an extra layer of intrigue. Moore’s experience and tactical acumen could prove decisive in a race that often comes down to split‑second decisions.
The card also features a valuable Moët & Chandon International Handicap at 2:55 pm, where a field of seventeen will contest a hefty purse. Among the entries, Mezcala and Extremely Zain stand out.
Extremely Zain is unbeaten in three starts and has already shown Group‑level potential by comfortably beating a 93‑pound handicap mark at York. The handicapper has responded with an eight‑pound penalty, and this may be his final run under handicap conditions before moving up to higher class races. He will start from stall eight under Tom Marquand, who is taking over from Cieren Fallon for this event. Additional storylines include Hollie Doyle’s Thunder Call, which is expected to feature in the Shergar Cup at Ascot, and former Premier League striker Kevin Doyle’s pursuit of Cheltenham Festival glory with his horses Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi.
The day will also see Ryan Moore honoured with an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours, a testament to his enduring contribution to the sport. In the secondary races, Jack Channon’s Mezcala, fresh from a Spring Mile win and a Buckingham Palace Stakes triumph, will start from stall 13 with George Bass aboard. Completely Random, who narrowly missed a win over six furlongs at Wokingham, looks poised to improve over the longer distance with Ryan Moore in the saddle.
Back In Black and Aalto complete a strong shortlist for the Group 3 Valiant Stakes, while Amazing Journey steps up in trip after a dominant performance in a Class 3 handicap at Ascot. The Group 3 Princess Margaret Japan Cup Stakes at 1:45 pm will feature Dark Issue and Alta Regina as the betting favourites. Moonrise, who was unlucky in the Windsor Castle at Royal Ascot, also merits attention from the Oisin Murphy and Andrew Balding partnership. Later, the Betfred Handicap at 4:45 pm will see Blue RC, Urban Lion and Crown Board line up, with Asmen Warrior representing James Owen’s interests.
Beyond Ascot, Chester will host the IRE Incentive, It Pays To Buy Irish Maiden Stakes at 3:10 pm, with Sea Idol leading a six‑horse field. The Wilson Family Handicap at 3:48 pm will spotlight Postmodern, owned by the Wathnan family, as a strong contender for the Hamad Al Jehani trophy.
At Lingfield, Godolphin’s Charlie Appleby will run Catching Dreams in the RJB Agri EBF Novice Stakes at 7:00 pm. The colt, making his debut, could be a showcase for the stable’s depth and ambition.
Overall, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes day at Ascot offers a rich tapestry of narratives: a defending champion seeking to cement his legacy, an international challenger aiming to end a national drought, and a host of supporting races that highlight emerging talent and seasoned veterans alike. Whether you are a casual fan or a dedicated punter, the race card provides ample excitement, strategic intrigue, and the promise of unforgettable moments on one of Britain’s most iconic racecourses.