Kalpana secured a dramatic triumph in the prestigious King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, turning the tables on the horse that had bested her a year earlier. Donning the iconic Juddmonte silks that previously carried three‑time champion Enable to glory, the five‑year‑old mare delivered a performance that will be remembered for its tenacity and tactical brilliance. The race began with a blistering tempo set by the Ballydoyle pacemaker Action, who ensured the early fractions were truly galloping. As the field approached the final furlong, Kalpana, under the guidance of jockey Colin Keane, surged forward, taking the lead with a decisive move.
From that point onward she displayed a powerful, sustained drive down the straight, 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 just behind were Irish Derby victor Benvenuto Cellini, who, under the experienced hands of Ryan Moore, rallied to finish third, while the previous year’s dual Derby champion Lambourn claimed fourth place.
The field was a veritable showcase of recent champions and international talent, featuring the last two winners of the race, Derby heroes, two Japanese imports, the Arc runner‑up, and multiple Group One winners. On paper it was billed as the race of the season, and on the day it lived up to every expectation.
For Colin Keane, this win marked the most significant achievement of his career since becoming Juddmonte’s retained rider. He praised the mare’s character, saying, "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 against the Japanese horse Masquerade Ball and the French challenger. Her performance today shows just how good she truly is." Trainer Andrew Balding was equally effusive.
He noted that Kalpana appeared noticeably lighter and more athletic than in previous outings, attributing this to a successful weight‑loss program that left her feeling leaner and more responsive. "She’s pretty damn good, isn’t she?
She can handle any ground condition," Balding remarked. "Colin never needs directions; he instinctively knows what to do, and today was a fabulous ride." Balding also reflected on Kalpana’s development over the season, emphasizing that she had become fitter and more resilient.
"She’s much fitter this year, and you could see it in the finish. It’s a privilege to train for Juddmonte and to work with such wonderful horses. My father, Ian Balding, won this race with Mill Reef, so it’s a special family legacy," he added. Looking ahead, Balding hinted at possible future targets for Kalpana, including the Arc and the Yorkshire Oaks, noting that her form suggests she can compete at the highest level across a range of distances.
"Anything is possible moving forward. The Arc didn’t work out last year because of the draw, but we’ll keep it under consideration. She’s thriving and could easily be aimed at the Yorkshire Oaks," he said. Barry Mahon, Juddmonte’s European bloodstock and racing manager, also shared his excitement.
"Colin got a lovely trip round and was just waiting for the straight. This is one of the biggest days for me in my role, right up there with Bluestocking in the Arc and Field Of Gold at Royal Ascot last year.
It’s a memorable one for sure," Mahon commented. He added that discussions about future campaigns, including potential runs in the Arc and Champions Day, would involve close collaboration with the owners and trainers.
The victory not only adds a coveted Group One win to Kalpana’s résumé but also cements her status as a top‑class middle‑distance mare capable of beating the best in the world. Her performance was praised by pundits and fans alike for its blend of speed, stamina, and tactical acumen.
As the season progresses, Kalpana’s connections will weigh options carefully, but the consensus is clear: she has proven she belongs among the elite, and her future looks bright. In summary, Kalpana’s win at Ascot was a masterclass in racecraft, showcasing the synergy between horse, jockey, and trainer. It provided a satisfying revenge against Calandagan, highlighted the depth of Juddmonte’s talent pool, and set the stage for an exciting remainder of the flat racing calendar, with many eager to see how far this remarkable mare can go.