Kalpana secured a spectacular win in the prestigious King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, turning the tables on the horse that had bested her just a year earlier. Donning the iconic Juddmonte silks that had carried three‑time champion Enable to glory, the five‑year‑old mare delivered a performance that will be remembered for its determination and tactical brilliance. The race unfolded with a blistering early pace set by the Ballydoyle pacemaker Action, who stretched the field and forced the contenders to settle quickly.
As the field approached the final furlong, Kalpana, trained by Andrew Balding, surged forward, taking the lead with a clear advantage. The mare displayed a powerful turn of foot, pulling away from the pack and establishing a decisive gap.
From that point to the finish line, Kalpana maintained a strong gallop, repelling a late surge from last year’s winner Calandagan. She crossed the line one and a half lengths ahead, earning odds of 13‑2. The Irish Derby victor Benvenuto Cellini, ridden by Ryan Moore, held on for third place, while the dual Derby champion Lambourn finished fourth.
The field for the race was a veritable who’s‑who of contemporary middle‑distance talent: the two most recent winners of the event, recent Derby champions, two Japanese imports, the recent Arc runner‑up, and multiple Group One winners. On paper it was billed as the race of the year, and on the day it lived up to that reputation. For jockey Colin Keane, the win marked his most significant achievement since becoming Juddmonte’s retained rider.
He praised Kalpana, 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 challenger Masquerade Ball and the French runner. This victory shows just how good she truly is." Keane also noted the mare’s physical improvement, recalling that trainer Andrew Balding had mentioned she was lighter by about ten kilograms on the day.
"She’s a big girl, but she’s gotten leaner and stronger. That weight drop was a good sign," he said. "She can accelerate instantly when I ask for it, and she helped me out of a tricky spot in the race." He added, "I’m thrilled for the mare.
She’s already won two Group Ones, but she deserves even more. Today she proved her class against a truly international field. It was her best performance yet, and it feels like a privilege to ride in these colours and have such opportunities." Trainer Andrew Balding was equally enthusiastic.
"She’s incredibly good, isn’t she? She can handle any ground condition," he said.
"Today everything fell into place. Colin never needs instructions; he knows exactly what to do. I’ve felt she’s improved this year – last season it was a struggle to get weight off her, but she’s leaner now and fitter, which showed in the finish." Balding reflected on the significance of the win for his stable and the Juddmonte operation. "Training for Juddmonte and handling these wonderful horses makes my job easier.
Winning this race is an honour; my father, Ian Balding, won it with Mill Reef, so it’s a family legacy," he said. "Looking ahead, anything is possible. The Arc didn’t work out last year because of the draw, but we’ll consider all options – perhaps the Yorkshire Oaks – because she’s at the peak of her form." Barry Mahon, Juddmonte’s European bloodstock and racing manager, highlighted the broader impact of the victory. "Colin got a perfect trip and was poised coming into the straight.
This is one of the biggest days of my career, comparable to Bluestocking’s Arc win and Field Of Gold at Royal Ascot last year. It’s a memorable achievement," he remarked.
"We’re still discussing the timeline between the Arc and Champions Day, but Paris will certainly be part of the conversation, and we’ll see what the owners decide. Working with Andrew is straightforward; he delivers great results and surrounds himself with a brilliant team." Kalpana’s triumph not only avenged her previous defeat to Calandagan but also cemented her status as a top‑class middle‑distance performer.
Her ability to adapt to a fast early pace, find a clear run, and accelerate decisively in the straight demonstrates a rare blend of stamina and speed. The win also underscores the strength of the Juddmonte breeding program, which continues to produce elite racehorses capable of competing on the world stage.
Looking forward, connections are weighing several possibilities for the mare’s future campaign. The Arc at Longchamp remains a tempting target, provided a favourable draw can be secured. The Yorkshire Oaks, another Group One for fillies and mares, is also on the radar, as is a potential run in the Breeders' Cup Turf, which would test her against the best in the United States.
Whatever the plan, Kalpana’s connections are confident that she has the class and the physical condition to tackle any challenge. In summary, Kalpana’s victory at the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes was a masterclass in race riding, training, and breeding. The mare displayed resilience, tactical speed, and the ability to rise to the occasion against a world‑class field.
Her connections – jockey Colin Keane, trainer Andrew Balding, and the Juddmonte team – celebrated a win that not only adds a prestigious trophy to her record but also opens the door to further high‑profile opportunities in the coming season.