Latest news with #Calandagan
RTÉ News
a few seconds ago
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Kalpana attempting to beat the boys in King George
Kalpana returns to the scene of her finest hour for a mouthwatering renewal of the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Andrew Balding's charge rounded off her three-year-old campaign with Group One success over the course and distance on Champions Day and has not done much wrong in two starts since, finishing third in the Tattersalls Gold Cup and then second in the Pretty Polly Stakes in Ireland. Back on home soil, Kalpana is the only filly in a field of five, with Oisin Murphy deputising in the saddle for the suspended Colin Keane. Barry Mahon, racing manager for owner-breeders Juddmonte, said: "We're all set for Saturday, I think we were hoping for a bit more rain than has actually fallen, but it is what it is and I'm sure it'll be nice ground on the day. "It's a top-class renewal, as you would expect for such a good race, but we're looking forward to partaking in it." Juddmonte's Bluestocking found only Goliath too strong in last year's King George before going on to win the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in the colours of the late Khalid Abdullah, who also claimed Ascot's midsummer highlight with Dancing Brave and superstar mare Enable, the latter on three occasions. Both of those equine greats also landed Europe's premier middle-distance contest, Enable doing so in successive years in 2017 and 2018, and a potential trip to Paris in early October has already been pencilled in for Kalpana ahead of what connections admit is a stern test this weekend. "Rebel's Romance is such a legend of a horse and Calandagan and Jan Brueghel are obviously very, very talented," Mahon added. "We think going back up to a mile and a half will suit our filly and Andrew said she worked well on Wednesday morning and he's very happy with her, so we're hopeful that her first two runs have set her up nicely for this." The top two in the market are Jan Brueghel and Calandagan, who renew rivalry after finishing first and second in the Coronation Cup at Epsom in early June. While Calandagan has since broken his top-level duck in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, Jan Brueghel has been kept fresh by Aidan O'Brien and is interestingly fitted with cheekpieces for the first time as he bids to provide his trainer with a fifth King George success. O'Brien, who also saddles the rank outsider and probable pacemaker Continuous, said: "Jan Brueghel is good, everything has gone well since the last day. "It will be an interesting race and the ground looks like it's going to be nice. "Continuous rolls along usually and he'll go forward, but if someone else wants to go on (and make the running), he'll be happy too." Francis Henri-Graffard's Calandagan has already shown his liking for Ascot, dominating his rivals in the King Edward VII Stakes at the Royal meeting last summer before finishing a close second to Anmaat in October's Champion Stakes. Buoyed by his long-awaited first Group One success on home soil four weeks ago, connections are excited to be heading back to Berkshire. Nemone Routh, racing manager for owners the Aga Khan Studs in France, said: "The horse is in very good form, he took his win at Saint-Cloud very well. I spoke with Mickael Barzalona who rode him in his last piece of work and he's very happy with him. "It's a small field, but he has to take on Jan Brueghel again and obviously Rebel's Romance was impressive last time out. "He doesn't have much ground to make up on Jan Brueghel and although they were calling the ground good to soft at Epsom, we felt it was riding softer that day. He handles softer ground so we can't use that as an excuse, but I just think maybe his acceleration is a a bit more decisive on firmer ground. "When it becomes a heavy-duty slugging match I'm not sure that's really his game, but when he can use his acceleration on good, fast ground I think that's when he's at his best." The small but select field is completed by Rebel's Romance, who has won seven Group Ones on foreign soil and bids to break his top-level duck at home following his course-and-distance success in last month's Hardwicke Stakes. Speaking on the Godolphin website, trainer Charlie Appleby said: "Rebel's Romance goes into this in great order. There was plenty of strength in depth in this contest 12 months ago, when he ran a good race (finished third), and it looks a similarly strong renewal this time around. "He is taking on younger opposition again but, wherever he finishes, the others will know that they have had a race."
The Irish Sun
a few seconds ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
I've got a huge 18-1 tip on King George day at Ascot… where we could soon be talking about a new master trainer
ONCE in France it was all about the master trainer Fabre. Now there's Graffard. On Saturday at Ascot Graffard has the chance to do something that Fabre hasn't yet done and land a second Group 1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. 1 Back at his beloved Ascot can Calandagan get the better of Jan Brueghel in their epic rematch? Find out live on ITV1 at 4.10pm Credit: PA This is big. Francis-Henri Graffard, one of the most likeable handlers you could meet, saddles a horse in CALANDAGAN who might just have been much maligned in the mile-and-a-half summer showpiece. For much of his career Calandagan has been ridden as if he's a nutter. Held up miles off the pace. Given loads to do. Because he's been gelded, it's been easy to assume that he's got issues. However, on occasions, Calandagan has managed to win and looked a beast. It was at Royal Ascot last year that the strapping son of Gleneagles came from last - on the home bend - to first to grab the Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes. It was quite extraordinary, although not the strongest renewal with the benefit of hindsight. He went on to chase home Anmaat in the Group 1 Qipco Champion Stakes, also at Ascot and again given plenty of ground to make up. Most read in Horse Racing This season he was second (well held) in Meydan to Danon Decile and chased home Jan Brueghel when seemingly outbattled in the Coronation Cup at Epsom. Three runner-up spots got some wondering about Calandagan's attitude. But what's important is what happened on June 29 at Saint-Cloud. That day regular partner Mickael Barzalona rode Calandagan like a normal horse, settling in fourth but not that far off the gallop. Ultimately he would go on and hack up in that Group 1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, suggesting he might not be quite the fruitcake some of us might have thought. Fabre has only won the King George once, and that was with the great Hurricane Run in 2006. Graffard, of course, took the big race with Goliath last year. If Calandagan scores he will become the first trainer to land consecutive renewals of the King George with a different horse since Sir Michael Stoute did so via Conduit and Harbinger in 2009/10. This is no one-horse race. But Calandagan only has three rivals and a pacemaker to beat. Taking on the Aga Khan's four-year-old are Jan Brueghel, Rebel's Romance and Kalpana. Aidan O'Brien's Jan Brueghel saw off Calandagan in the Coronation Cup, but as I've said under different tactics here I expect a change in result. That said, Jan Brueghel is crucial and has every chance. Also, he brings with him Continuous, who will set the gallop despite once being a Classic winner in the St Leger. Rebel's Romance is an absolute warrior for Godolphin. He's won nearly £11million in prize money and two Breeders' Cup Turf races along the way. However, he was only third last year and I suspect he will find one or two too good again. He would also like firm ground. Kalpana gets 3lb from her rivals, and she's pretty good for Andrew Balding, landing last season's Group 1 Qipco British Champions Fillies and Mares Stakes at this course. However, she hasn't been good enough this term to defeat Whirl and Los Angeles and she will need more here to score. For many today the big betting race is the International Handicap over 7f. I'll chance OLIVER SHOW for the Billy Loughnane and George Boughey team. A mark of 98 is harsh enough for my hope, but he ran really well in the Lincoln at Doncaster off 95 before never getting involved after a slow start in the Buckingham Palace at Royal Ascot. That 7f will have been short enough in any case for a horse who has raced up to 1m2f. With a normal start and getting back to the Lincoln form he would have an each-way chance. Finally at York all eyes are on the exciting ALMAQAM in the Sky Bet Group 2 York Stakes over an extended 1m2f. I'm all over Ed Walker's stable star here under the excellent Kieran Shoemark. This colt has always been held in high regard and saw off Ombudsman when last seen in the Group 3 Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown. He can go from the front or come off the pace and stays strong. The going is also ideal. Everything is set for a massive run in a decent field. Only slight concern is he does give plenty of weight to the three-year-olds. But he really should win. What a Saturday. Racing fit for a King. FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. . Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Read more on the Irish Sun Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
Scottish Sun
2 minutes ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
I've got a huge 18-1 tip on King George day at Ascot… where we could soon be talking about a new master trainer
We could be talking about this for years to come MATT CHAPMAN I've got a huge 18-1 tip on King George day at Ascot… where we could soon be talking about a new master trainer Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ONCE in France it was all about the master trainer Fabre. Now there's Graffard. On Saturday at Ascot Graffard has the chance to do something that Fabre hasn't yet done and land a second Group 1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Back at his beloved Ascot can Calandagan get the better of Jan Brueghel in their epic rematch? Find out live on ITV1 at 4.10pm Credit: PA This is big. Francis-Henri Graffard, one of the most likeable handlers you could meet, saddles a horse in CALANDAGAN who might just have been much maligned in the mile-and-a-half summer showpiece. For much of his career Calandagan has been ridden as if he's a nutter. Held up miles off the pace. Given loads to do. Because he's been gelded, it's been easy to assume that he's got issues. However, on occasions, Calandagan has managed to win and looked a beast. It was at Royal Ascot last year that the strapping son of Gleneagles came from last - on the home bend - to first to grab the Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes. It was quite extraordinary, although not the strongest renewal with the benefit of hindsight. He went on to chase home Anmaat in the Group 1 Qipco Champion Stakes, also at Ascot and again given plenty of ground to make up. This season he was second (well held) in Meydan to Danon Decile and chased home Jan Brueghel when seemingly outbattled in the Coronation Cup at Epsom. Three runner-up spots got some wondering about Calandagan's attitude. But what's important is what happened on June 29 at Saint-Cloud. That day regular partner Mickael Barzalona rode Calandagan like a normal horse, settling in fourth but not that far off the gallop. Ultimately he would go on and hack up in that Group 1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, suggesting he might not be quite the fruitcake some of us might have thought. Fabre has only won the King George once, and that was with the great Hurricane Run in 2006. Graffard, of course, took the big race with Goliath last year. If Calandagan scores he will become the first trainer to land consecutive renewals of the King George with a different horse since Sir Michael Stoute did so via Conduit and Harbinger in 2009/10. This is no one-horse race. But Calandagan only has three rivals and a pacemaker to beat. Taking on the Aga Khan's four-year-old are Jan Brueghel, Rebel's Romance and Kalpana. Aidan O'Brien's Jan Brueghel saw off Calandagan in the Coronation Cup, but as I've said under different tactics here I expect a change in result. That said, Jan Brueghel is crucial and has every chance. Also, he brings with him Continuous, who will set the gallop despite once being a Classic winner in the St Leger. Rebel's Romance is an absolute warrior for Godolphin. He's won nearly £11million in prize money and two Breeders' Cup Turf races along the way. However, he was only third last year and I suspect he will find one or two too good again. He would also like firm ground. Kalpana gets 3lb from her rivals, and she's pretty good for Andrew Balding, landing last season's Group 1 Qipco British Champions Fillies and Mares Stakes at this course. However, she hasn't been good enough this term to defeat Whirl and Los Angeles and she will need more here to score. For many today the big betting race is the International Handicap over 7f. I'll chance OLIVER SHOW for the Billy Loughnane and George Boughey team. A mark of 98 is harsh enough for my hope, but he ran really well in the Lincoln at Doncaster off 95 before never getting involved after a slow start in the Buckingham Palace at Royal Ascot. That 7f will have been short enough in any case for a horse who has raced up to 1m2f. With a normal start and getting back to the Lincoln form he would have an each-way chance. Finally at York all eyes are on the exciting ALMAQAM in the Sky Bet Group 2 York Stakes over an extended 1m2f. I'm all over Ed Walker's stable star here under the excellent Kieran Shoemark. This colt has always been held in high regard and saw off Ombudsman when last seen in the Group 3 Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown. He can go from the front or come off the pace and stays strong. The going is also ideal. Everything is set for a massive run in a decent field. Only slight concern is he does give plenty of weight to the three-year-olds. But he really should win. What a Saturday. Racing fit for a King. FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
The Sun
2 minutes ago
- Sport
- The Sun
I've got a huge 18-1 tip on King George day at Ascot… where we could soon be talking about a new master trainer
ONCE in France it was all about the master trainer Fabre. Now there's Graffard. On Saturday at Ascot Graffard has the chance to do something that Fabre hasn't yet done and land a second Group 1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. 1 This is big. Francis-Henri Graffard, one of the most likeable handlers you could meet, saddles a horse in CALANDAGAN who might just have been much maligned in the mile-and-a-half summer showpiece. For much of his career Calandagan has been ridden as if he's a nutter. Held up miles off the pace. Given loads to do. Because he's been gelded, it's been easy to assume that he's got issues. However, on occasions, Calandagan has managed to win and looked a beast. It was at Royal Ascot last year that the strapping son of Gleneagles came from last - on the home bend - to first to grab the Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes. It was quite extraordinary, although not the strongest renewal with the benefit of hindsight. He went on to chase home Anmaat in the Group 1 Qipco Champion Stakes, also at Ascot and again given plenty of ground to make up. This season he was second (well held) in Meydan to Danon Decile and chased home Jan Brueghel when seemingly outbattled in the Coronation Cup at Epsom. Three runner-up spots got some wondering about Calandagan's attitude. But what's important is what happened on June 29 at Saint-Cloud. That day regular partner Mickael Barzalona rode Calandagan like a normal horse, settling in fourth but not that far off the gallop. Ultimately he would go on and hack up in that Group 1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, suggesting he might not be quite the fruitcake some of us might have thought. Fabre has only won the King George once, and that was with the great Hurricane Run in 2006. Graffard, of course, took the big race with Goliath last year. If Calandagan scores he will become the first trainer to land consecutive renewals of the King George with a different horse since Sir Michael Stoute did so via Conduit and Harbinger in 2009/10. This is no one-horse race. But Calandagan only has three rivals and a pacemaker to beat. Taking on the Aga Khan's four-year-old are Jan Brueghel, Rebel's Romance and Kalpana. Aidan O'Brien's Jan Brueghel saw off Calandagan in the Coronation Cup, but as I've said under different tactics here I expect a change in result. That said, Jan Brueghel is crucial and has every chance. Also, he brings with him Continuous, who will set the gallop despite once being a Classic winner in the St Leger. Rebel's Romance is an absolute warrior for Godolphin. He's won nearly £11million in prize money and two Breeders' Cup Turf races along the way. However, he was only third last year and I suspect he will find one or two too good again. He would also like firm ground. Kalpana gets 3lb from her rivals, and she's pretty good for Andrew Balding, landing last season's Group 1 Qipco British Champions Fillies and Mares Stakes at this course. However, she hasn't been good enough this term to defeat Whirl and Los Angeles and she will need more here to score. For many today the big betting race is the International Handicap over 7f. I'll chance OLIVER SHOW for the Billy Loughnane and George Boughey team. A mark of 98 is harsh enough for my hope, but he ran really well in the Lincoln at Doncaster off 95 before never getting involved after a slow start in the Buckingham Palace at Royal Ascot. That 7f will have been short enough in any case for a horse who has raced up to 1m2f. With a normal start and getting back to the Lincoln form he would have an each-way chance. Finally at York all eyes are on the exciting ALMAQAM in the Sky Bet Group 2 York Stakes over an extended 1m2f. I'm all over Ed Walker's stable star here under the excellent Kieran Shoemark. This colt has always been held in high regard and saw off Ombudsman when last seen in the Group 3 Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown. He can go from the front or come off the pace and stays strong. The going is also ideal. Everything is set for a massive run in a decent field. Only slight concern is he does give plenty of weight to the three-year-olds. But he really should win. What a Saturday. Racing fit for a King. Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who:
South Wales Guardian
31 minutes ago
- Sport
- South Wales Guardian
Kalpana seeking to join Juddmonte luminaries on King George roll of honour
Andrew Balding's charge rounded off her three-year-old campaign with Group One success over the course and distance on Champions Day and has not done much wrong in two starts since, finishing third in the Tattersalls Gold Cup and then second in the Pretty Polly Stakes in Ireland. Back on home soil, Kalpana is the only filly in a field of five, with Oisin Murphy deputising in the saddle for the suspended Colin Keane. Barry Mahon, racing manager for owner-breeders Juddmonte, said: 'We're all set for Saturday, I think we were hoping for a bit more rain than has actually fallen, but it is what it is and I'm sure it'll be nice ground on the day. 'It's a top-class renewal, as you would expect for such a good race, but we're looking forward to partaking in it.' Juddmonte's Bluestocking found only Goliath too strong in last year's King George before going on to win the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in the colours of the late Khalid Abdullah, who also claimed Ascot's midsummer highlight with Dancing Brave and superstar mare Enable, the latter on three occasions. Both of those equine greats also landed Europe's premier middle-distance contest, Enable doing so in successive years in 2017 and 2018, and a potential trip to Paris in early October has already been pencilled in for Kalpana ahead of what connections admit is a stern test this weekend. 'Rebel's Romance is such a legend of a horse and Calandagan and Jan Brueghel are obviously very, very talented,' Mahon added. 'We think going back up to a mile and a half will suit our filly and Andrew said she worked well on Wednesday morning and he's very happy with her, so we're hopeful that her first two runs have set her up nicely for this.' The top two in the market are Jan Brueghel and Calandagan, who renew rivalry after finishing first and second in the Coronation Cup at Epsom in early June. While Calandagan has since broken his top-level duck in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, Jan Brueghel has been kept fresh by Aidan O'Brien and is interestingly fitted with cheekpieces for the first time as he bids to provide his trainer with a fifth King George success. O'Brien, who also saddles the rank outsider and probable pacemaker Continuous, said: 'Jan Brueghel is good, everything has gone well since the last day. 'It will be an interesting race and the ground looks like it's going to be nice. 'Continuous rolls along usually and he'll go forward, but if someone else wants to go on (and make the running), he'll be happy too.' Francis Henri-Graffard's Calandagan has already shown his liking for Ascot, dominating his rivals in the King Edward VII Stakes at the Royal meeting last summer before finishing a close second to Anmaat in October's Champion Stakes. Calandagan ➡️ @Ascot ❓ He got his Group 1 on Sunday and he could return to the UK for the King George later this month! — British Champions Day (@Champions_Day) July 2, 2025 Buoyed by his long-awaited first Group One success on home soil four weeks ago, connections are excited to be heading back to Berkshire. Nemone Routh, racing manager for owners the Aga Khan Studs in France, said: 'The horse is in very good form, he took his win at Saint-Cloud very well. I spoke with Mickael Barzalona who rode him in his last piece of work and he's very happy with him. 'It's a small field, but he has to take on Jan Brueghel again and obviously Rebel's Romance was impressive last time out. 'He doesn't have much ground to make up on Jan Brueghel and although they were calling the ground good to soft at Epsom, we felt it was riding softer that day. He handles softer ground so we can't use that as an excuse, but I just think maybe his acceleration is a a bit more decisive on firmer ground. 'When it becomes a heavy-duty slugging match I'm not sure that's really his game, but when he can use his acceleration on good, fast ground I think that's when he's at his best.' The small but select field is completed by Rebel's Romance, who has won seven Group Ones on foreign soil and bids to break his top-level duck at home following his course-and-distance success in last month's Hardwicke Stakes. Speaking on the Godolphin website, trainer Charlie Appleby said: 'Rebel's Romance goes into this in great order. There was plenty of strength in depth in this contest 12 months ago, when he ran a good race (finished third), and it looks a similarly strong renewal this time around. 'He is taking on younger opposition again but, wherever he finishes, the others will know that they have had a race.'
