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 once carried three‑time champion Enable, the five‑year‑old mare delivered a performance that combined tactical brilliance with raw stamina, ultimately edging out last year’s winner Calandagan by one and a half lengths.
The race unfolded with a blistering early pace set by Action, the Ballydoyle pacemaker, which stretched the field and set the stage for a classic showdown. As the field turned into the final furlong, Kalpana, trained by Andrew Balding, surged forward from behind the pace, finding a clear run and accelerating down the straight.
Her momentum proved unstoppable; she maintained a powerful gallop to the finish line, fending off a late surge from Calandagan, who had been the dominant force in the previous edition of the race. Finishing at odds of 13‑2, Kalpana’s victory was a testament to her improvement and the meticulous preparation of her connections. Irish Derby victor Benvenuto Cellini, piloted by Ryan Moore, held on for third place, while the dual Derby champion Lambourn rounded out the top four. The field was a veritable who's‑who of contemporary flat racing, featuring the last two winners of the King George, celebrated Derby heroes, two Japanese challengers, the Arc runner‑up, and multiple Group One winners.
On paper the contest promised a world‑class spectacle, and on the day it delivered in spades. For jockey Colin Keane, the win marked the most significant achievement of his tenure as Juddmonte’s retained rider.
He praised Kalpana’s character, noting that while the team initially anticipated a solid placing, they were astonished by her ability to outpace both the Japanese contender Masquerade Ball and a strong French challenger. Keane reflected on her development over the past season, observing that the mare appeared lighter and more supple, a sign of her improved condition. He highlighted her responsiveness, stating that she could quicken almost on cue and that she consistently rescued him from difficult positions throughout the race. Andrew Balding, the trainer, echoed the jockey’s enthusiasm, describing Kalpana as “pretty damn good” and capable of handling any ground condition.
He explained that the mare had shed weight compared to the previous year, resulting in a leaner, fitter physique that translated into a more decisive finish. Balding also paid tribute to the legacy of his family, recalling that his father, the late Ian Balding, had famously won the same race with Mill Reef, adding a sentimental layer to the victory. Looking ahead, Balding hinted at possible future targets for Kalpana, suggesting that the Arc could be on the agenda despite last year’s disappointing draw.
He also mentioned the Yorkshire Oaks as a viable option, emphasizing that the mare is currently at the peak of her form and capable of competing at the highest level across a range of distances. Barry Mahon, Juddmonte’s European bloodstock and racing manager, expressed his delight at the performance, calling it one of the most memorable days of his career, comparable to the successes with Bluestocking in the Arc and Field Of Gold at Royal Ascot.
He indicated that discussions are already underway regarding Kalpana’s next campaign, with potential appearances at the Arc and Champions Day being considered. Mahon praised Andrew Balding’s professionalism and the strong rapport within the Juddmonte operation, noting that the team’s collaborative approach continues to yield top‑class results. The victory not only adds a coveted Group One win to Kalpana’s résumé but also reinforces Juddmonte’s reputation for cultivating elite middle‑distance talent.
Her performance at Ascot demonstrates a blend of speed, endurance, and tactical versatility that is essential for success at the highest echelons of flat racing. As the season progresses, the racing community will be watching closely to see how Kalpana’s campaign unfolds, with many speculating that she could become a dominant force in the autumn classics and possibly challenge for further international honors.