Kalpana secured a sensational win in the prestigious King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, delivering a dramatic reversal of fortunes against the horse that had bested her a year earlier. Clad in the iconic Juddmonte silks that once carried the three‑time champion Enable, the five‑year‑old mare struck back against Calandagan, the very rival who had left her in second place twelve months prior. The race unfolded with a blistering early pace set by the Ballydoyle pacemaker Action, who led the field into the back straight. As the horses approached the final furlong, Kalpana surged forward under the guidance of jockey Colin Keane, pulling clear of the pack and establishing a decisive lead.
The Andrew Balding‑trained mare displayed a powerful turn of foot, accelerating through the straight and maintaining her momentum to the finish line. Kalpana held off a late challenge from last year’s winner Calandagan, crossing the line one and a half lengths ahead at odds of 13‑2.
Irish Derby victor Benvenuto Cellini, piloted by Ryan Moore, rounded out the placings in third, while the dual‑Derby champion Lambourn finished fourth. The field was a who's‑who of contemporary middle‑distance talent, featuring the previous two winners of the race, recent Derby champions, two Japanese imports, the Arc runner‑up, and multiple Group One winners – a lineup that many had already dubbed the race of the year on paper, and it lived up to the hype on the track. For Colin Keane, this triumph marked his most significant achievement since becoming Juddmonte’s retained rider. He praised Kalpana’s exceptional abilities, noting that while the team initially believed a third‑place finish would be a respectable effort against the Japanese contender Masquerade Ball and the French challenger, the mare’s performance far exceeded expectations.
Keane highlighted her improvement over the season, attributing it to a noticeable reduction in her weight, which seemed to enhance her agility and responsiveness. He also praised trainer Andrew Balding for his astute handling, explaining that he had opted to ride Kalpana because he anticipated her rival, Wayne Lordan on Minnie Hauk, would fade earlier, a prediction that proved accurate as Kalpana surged ahead when her competitor faltered.
Keane expressed his delight not only for the victory but also for the mare’s broader career trajectory. Despite already possessing two Group One victories, he believes Kalpana deserves even more accolades and demonstrated her true class on the day. He described the race as one of the strongest renewals in recent memory, given the international depth of the field, and emphasized how special it was for Kalpana to prevail under such circumstances.
He also reflected on the privilege of riding in Juddmonte’s colors and the opportunities it provides. Trainer Andrew Balding echoed the enthusiasm, describing Kalpana as "pretty damn good" and capable of handling any ground condition. He praised Colin Keane’s instincts, noting that the jockey never needed direction because he instinctively knew what to do. Balding observed that Kalpana appeared fitter and leaner this season, shedding weight that had hampered her performance the previous year.
He credited her improved condition for the decisive finish and expressed pride in training for Juddmonte, a partnership that he feels simplifies his responsibilities. Balding also paid homage to his father, Ian Balding, who famously won the same race with Mill Reef, underscoring the personal significance of the victory. Looking ahead, Balding hinted at possible future targets for Kalpana, mentioning the Arc as a potential goal despite the previous year’s disappointment due to an unfavorable draw. He suggested that the Yorkshire Oaks could also be on the agenda, emphasizing that the mare is at the peak of her abilities and ready to take on new challenges.
Barry Mahon, Juddmonte’s European bloodstock and racing manager, lauded the performance, describing it as one of the most memorable days of his tenure, comparable to the successes of Bluestocking in the Arc and Field Of Gold at Royal Ascot. He noted the significance of the win for the organization and hinted at future planning, acknowledging that the timeline between the Arc and Champions Day remains to be determined, but Paris is likely to feature in discussions. Mahon praised Andrew Balding’s professionalism and the strength of his team, describing him as a brilliant people person who consistently delivers strong results for Juddmonte. In summary, Kalpana’s triumph at the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes was a masterclass in perseverance and tactical execution.
Overcoming a previous defeat, she showcased her versatility, speed, and stamina against a world‑class field. The victory not only cements her status as a top‑tier middle‑distance performer but also sets the stage for an exciting campaign ahead, with potential targets ranging from the Arc to the Yorkshire Oaks. Fans and connections alike will be watching closely as Kalpana continues to write her story in the annals of elite flat racing.