The upcoming King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot promises to be a truly spectacular edition of one of racing's most celebrated contests. This year the race has an international flavor that is hard to match, with top‑class representatives from France and Japan returning for the second leg of their heavyweight rivalry. Yet the event is about more than a simple rematch; the field is packed with as many as five other Group One winners, among them a Classic‑victorious three‑year‑old from the legendary Ballydoyle stable who could tip the scales in the generational showdown. In short, this is the kind of drama and depth that the King George is designed to deliver.
Fans can catch every moment of King George Weekend live on Sky Sports Racing, with coverage scheduled for Friday 24 July and Saturday 25 July. The programme will feature in‑depth analysis, behind‑the‑scenes interviews and full race replays, ensuring that anyone with a passion for top‑level flat racing can stay up to date.
One of the standout contenders is the French‑trained colt ridden by Mickael Barzalona and prepared by Francis‑Henri Graffard. Horses of his calibre are a rarity; he combines the stamina required for a mile‑and‑a‑half trip with the blistering turn‑of‑speed more typical of a sprinter. He can effortlessly slice through furlongs in sub‑11‑second times and consistently pushes the middle‑distance speed barrier of 40 miles per hour.
His most recent peak performance came in the Grand Prix de Saint‑Cloud, where he delivered a decisive finish that not only answered critics after a disappointing run at Epsom but also underscored why Ascot, rather than Epsom, sits at the top of his preferred venues. Equally intriguing is the Japanese superstar, often described as the world’s joint‑best horse, who has dominated his home tracks until a recent clash with the French champion Calandagan. The frequency and intensity of his elite performances have forced French racing authorities to reconsider certain regulations, hoping to retain his dazzling form both domestically and abroad.
Ascot now offers the perfect stage for Calandagan to showcase his artistic flair and reaffirm his status as a modern great. The weekend will also feature the Shergar Cup, where jockey Hollie Doyle is expected to guide Thunder Call in a thrilling contest that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. Jamie Lynch has identified five horses to watch as international stars converge on the Ascot turf, adding another layer of excitement for viewers. Beyond the main event, the programme highlights several notable storylines: former Premier League striker Kevin Doyle’s pursuit of Cheltenham Festival glory with Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi, Kalpana’s surprising victory over Calandagan in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, and legendary jockey Ryan Moore’s recent appointment as an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours.
In the Derby, Benvenuto Cellini will lead a four‑horse contingent for Aidan O'Brien at Epsom, while Christophe Soumillon, also riding for Graffard, will aim to replicate his previous success. The concept of "distance decay"—the idea that nearer events are more relevant than distant ones—helps explain why Goliath’s 2024 King George triumph feels somewhat removed, especially as he has not yet reproduced that form. His rating of 127, a full two pounds higher than Calandagan’s assessment a year later, reflects the quality of his opposition, notably Bluestocking, and the strongly‑run nature of that race.
Recent performances have reignited interest in Calandagan after impressive wins in the Grand Prix de Chantilly and a smooth run in the Hardwicke, despite a slip by Soumillon’s foot during the latter. Aidan O'Brien remains the trainer of choice for many of the top entries, though some jockeys are still to be confirmed. While Calandagan’s dual Derby winner label has yet to be fully realized, his season has featured moments of brilliance, such as a comeback win over Bay City Roller at Chester. However, subsequent races have been less convincing, especially after a challenging encounter with Goliath at Saint‑Cloud.
From Japan, Takahisa Tezuka’s three‑year‑old star, sharing the top spot in the Longines Rankings with the legendary Forever Young, delivered a record‑breaking performance in the Japan Cup, demonstrating the depth of talent coming from the Far East. This horse, now six years old with a rating of 116, remains a strong contender, though he still trails behind the likes of Lambourn and Action.
Colin Keane and Andrew Balding’s filly, a millionaire with seven victories including back‑to‑back Fillies & Mares' Stakes on Champions Day, has often been labeled a bridesmaid, consistently finishing second. Her most memorable effort came last year when she pushed Calandagan to his limits, though she later fell short to Giavellotto in the Hardwicke. With renewed focus, she could once again fight for a podium place. Aidan O'Brien’s stable also features a promising colt who, after a runner‑up finish in the Dante, was held back at Epsom but showed front‑running potential in the Irish equivalent.
He may serve as a pacemaker in the King George, depending on tactical decisions. The narrative surrounding Benvenuto Cellini is one of emotional resonance rather than pure statistics. Since Galileo’s 2001 triumph, O'Brien has only produced three three‑year‑old Derby winners for the King George, one being Auguste Rodin, who shares a certain intangible connection with Cellini. Overall, the upcoming King George at Ascot is shaping up to be one of the season’s marquee events, possibly even a defining race of the decade.
Calandagan enters the contest with an enviable record, having proven his mettle across continents and surfaces. Armed with experience, confidence, and a versatile skill set, he appears ready to meet any challenge the Ascot turf can throw at him. The stage is set, the talent is assembled, and racing enthusiasts worldwide can look forward to a weekend of unforgettable performances.