Latest news with #JanBrueghel
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Legendary jockey Kieren Fallon tips ‘overlooked' superstar to stun them all in £1.5million King George
LEGENDARY jockey Kieren Fallon has tipped an 'overlooked' superstar to stun them all in Saturday's £1.5million King George. The blockbuster Ascot Group 1 is being billed as a mouthwatering rematch between Coronation Cup 1-2 Jan Brueghel and Calandagan. Advertisement 1 Rebel's Romance ridden by William Buick on their way to winning the Hardwicke Stakes during day five of Royal Ascot Credit: PA Aidan O'Brien's runner got the better of the French raider that day but the market has Calandagan reversing the form this time. Nestled behind them in the betting is Andrew Balding's Kalpana, who will get 3lb from the big boys. But Fallon, who won the King George on Golan in 2002, is happy to bypass the market leaders and go for one at an each-way price, even if bookies are only paying two places. The six-time champion jockey is drawn to the chances of globetrotting sensation and 6-1 fancy Rebel's Romance. Advertisement The Charlie Appleby-trained, Godolphin-owned hero has won more than £10m in his career and finished first in three of four races this year. Most recent of those was his Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes victory at Royal Ascot. King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes odds Saturday's feature will pit the best of the best against each over 1m4f. Here's how the bookies currently have it... 13-8 Calandagan 7-4 Jan Brueghel 9-2 Kalpana 6-1 Rebel's Romance 12-1 Lambourn 16-1 Whirl 33-1 Green Impact 100-1 Continuous Not only did that salvage what was turning into a disastrous week for Appleby, but it confirmed he loves the Berkshire track in the summer. Fallon reckons everything points towards conditions suiting again on Saturday. Advertisement Most read in Horse Racing And he thinks Rebel's Romance, despite being three years older than Jan Brueghel and Calandagan, has plenty of miles left in the tank. He said on Sky Sports Racing: "I would love to ride Rebel's Romance - he's a monster, a beautiful, big, genuine horse. "He's coming into the race strong after his Royal Ascot win. "His confidence will be very high." Advertisement Former jockey Seb Sanders agreed that Rebel's Romance was 'overlooked' in the market. Fallon added: "Jan Brueghel is tough but I think Rebel's Romance, if he turns up, is going to be a hard horse to beat. "He looks amazing, is lightly raced and is doing everything right at home. "After his last run he will only improve, he didn't have a hard race and it was a confidence booster for him." Advertisement 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
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Legendary jockey Kieren Fallon tips ‘overlooked' superstar to stun them all in £1.5million King George
Victory would see the horse smash the £11million career earnings mark ROM COM Legendary jockey Kieren Fallon tips 'overlooked' superstar to stun them all in £1.5million King George Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LEGENDARY jockey Kieren Fallon has tipped an 'overlooked' superstar to stun them all in Saturday's £1.5million King George. The blockbuster Ascot Group 1 is being billed as a mouthwatering rematch between Coronation Cup 1-2 Jan Brueghel and Calandagan. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Rebel's Romance ridden by William Buick on their way to winning the Hardwicke Stakes during day five of Royal Ascot Credit: PA Aidan O'Brien's runner got the better of the French raider that day but the market has Calandagan reversing the form this time. Nestled behind them in the betting is Andrew Balding's Kalpana, who will get 3lb from the big boys. But Fallon, who won the King George on Golan in 2002, is happy to bypass the market leaders and go for one at an each-way price, even if bookies are only paying two places. The six-time champion jockey is drawn to the chances of globetrotting sensation and 6-1 fancy Rebel's Romance. The Charlie Appleby-trained, Godolphin-owned hero has won more than £10m in his career and finished first in three of four races this year. Most recent of those was his Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes victory at Royal Ascot. King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes odds Saturday's feature will pit the best of the best against each over 1m4f. Here's how the bookies currently have it... 13-8 Calandagan 7-4 Jan Brueghel 9-2 Kalpana 6-1 Rebel's Romance 12-1 Lambourn 16-1 Whirl 33-1 Green Impact 100-1 Continuous Not only did that salvage what was turning into a disastrous week for Appleby, but it confirmed he loves the Berkshire track in the summer. Fallon reckons everything points towards conditions suiting again on Saturday. And he thinks Rebel's Romance, despite being three years older than Jan Brueghel and Calandagan, has plenty of miles left in the tank. He said on Sky Sports Racing: "I would love to ride Rebel's Romance - he's a monster, a beautiful, big, genuine horse. "He's coming into the race strong after his Royal Ascot win. "His confidence will be very high." Former jockey Seb Sanders agreed that Rebel's Romance was 'overlooked' in the market. Fallon added: "Jan Brueghel is tough but I think Rebel's Romance, if he turns up, is going to be a hard horse to beat. "He looks amazing, is lightly raced and is doing everything right at home. "After his last run he will only improve, he didn't have a hard race and it was a confidence booster for him." 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.
Irish Examiner
3 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Jan Brueghel spearheads stellar list of King George contenders
Jan Brueghel, Lambourn, Rebel's Romance, and Calandagan are among the eight horses left in a potentially star-studded King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on Saturday. Aidan O'Brien said at the weekend it was probable that Coronation Cup winner Jan Brueghel would be his number one hope, with Lambourn likely to be aimed at the St Leger, possibly via the Great Voltigeur at York. O'Brien's Epsom Oaks runner-up Whirl, who has been mentioned in terms of the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood, has stood her ground, while the Ballydoyle handler is also responsible for Continuous. Like last year's winner Goliath, Calandagan is trained by Francis-Henri Graffard and pushed Jan Brueghel all the way at Epsom. The Aga Khan Studs-owned gelding has since bagged an elusive Group One victory in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud. The Charlie Appleby-trained Rebel's Romance, meanwhile, showed he is as good as ever in recording a popular triumph in the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot. Andrew Balding's Group One winner Kalpana is another representative for the fillies, with Jessica Harrington's Green Impact bolstering the Irish challenge. Kalpana will be stepping up to a mile and a half for the first time this season, at the scene of her biggest success to date, the British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes back in October. Her two outings this season have been in Ireland, finishing third in the Tattersalls Gold Cup and second in the Pretty Polly Stakes, both at the Curragh. Juddmonte's European racing manager Barry Mahon said: "Kalpana is all systems go for the King George. This has been her intended target since her last run in Ireland and she is in good shape. "I think her two runs this year have been very solid. We know she is proven over a mile and a half on soft ground, so for her to produce those performances over 10 furlongs on quicker ground is very promising. "We would be hopeful of a strong showing on Saturday back over 12 furlongs, for all it looks a competitive race. Calandagan is a top-class horse and we all saw what Jan Brueghel did at Epsom. I don't know if Lambourn will line up as well, but a Derby winner always commands respect." O'Brien, meanwhile, has confirmed Henri Matisse on course for a rematch with his Royal Ascot conqueror Field Of Gold in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood. O'Brien's Wootton Bassett colt ended last season in victory at the Breeders' Cup and struck Classic gold in the French 2,000 Guineas before finding only John and Thady Gosden's Field Of Gold too good in the St James's Palace Stakes. The Ballydoyle handler said: "He's being trained for the Sussex and is going good so far. We're very happy with him and he is progressing." Also a runner-up at the Royal meeting was Illinois, in the Gold Cup behind Trawlerman, and he too is set for a trip to the Sussex Downs, where he could be joined by an emerging stablemate. O'Brien said: "At the moment he (Illinois) is going for the Goodwood Cup and it's possible that Scandinavia could go there as well. "We were very happy with his run in Ascot. We'd prefer he had another year before he went there (for the Gold Cup), but that is the way it worked out." O'Brien also outlined plans for Coventry Stakes winner Gstaad, who will be seen next in top-level action at the Curragh. He said: "The plan is to go for the Phoenix Stakes (August 9). That is the way we are thinking at the moment."
Rhyl Journal
3 days ago
- Sport
- Rhyl Journal
Jan Brueghel spearheads stellar list of King George contenders
Aidan O'Brien said at the weekend it was probable that Coronation Cup winner Jan Brueghel would be his number one hope, with Lambourn likely to be aimed at the St Leger, possibly via the Great Voltigeur at York. O'Brien's Epsom Oaks runner-up Whirl, who has been mentioned in terms of the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood, has stood her ground, while the Ballydoyle handler is also responsible for Continuous. Like last year's winner Goliath, Calandagan is trained by Francis-Henri Graffard and pushed Jan Brueghel all the way at Epsom. The Aga Khan Studs-owned gelding has since bagged an elusive Group One victory in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud. The Charlie Appleby-trained Rebel's Romance, meanwhile, showed he is as good as ever in recording a popular triumph in the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot. Andrew Balding's Group One winner Kalpana is another representative for the fillies, with Jessica Harrington's Green Impact bolstering the Irish challenge. Kalpana will be stepping up to a mile and a half for the first time this season, at the scene of her biggest success to date, the British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes back in October. Her two outings this season have been in Ireland, finishing third in the Tattersalls Gold Cup and second in the Pretty Polly Stakes, both at the Curragh. Juddmonte's European racing manager Barry Mahon said: 'Kalpana is all systems go for the King George. This has been her intended target since her last run in Ireland and she is in good shape. 'I think her two runs this year have been very solid. We know she is proven over a mile and a half on soft ground, so for her to produce those performances over 10 furlongs on quicker ground is very promising. 'We would be hopeful of a strong showing on Saturday back over 12 furlongs, for all it looks a competitive race. Calandagan is a top-class horse and we all saw what Jan Brueghel did at Epsom. I don't know if Lambourn will line up as well, but a Derby winner always commands respect.'
Irish Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Times
Jan Brueghel and Calandagan set for round two clash in Ascot's King George
Round Two between Jan Brueghel and Calandagan is set for Ascot's King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes on Saturday. British racing's midsummer highlight – and at £1.5 million (over €1.7 million) the most valuable race ever run at Ascot – will stage the latest clash between the pair that fought out a memorable finish to last month's Coronation Cup. On that occasion, last year's St Leger hero Jan Brueghel delivered a doughty performance to win by half-a-length for Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore. Since then, his French rival has impressed with a Group One victory of his own in the Grand Prix de Saint Cloud, when he emphatically ended a streak of four runner-up placings. READ MORE It helped quash some doubters of Calandagan's resolution after he was outstayed by the Irish winner on easy going at Epsom. Conditions look like being quicker this weekend over the course and distance Calandagan impressed when landing last year's King Edward VII Stakes. Just eight entries were left in the King George at Monday's acceptance stage, half of them from O'Brien. They include the dual-Derby hero Lambourn and Whirl, winner of the Pretty Polly Stakes, although the trainer has indicated both will skip Ascot to wait for other assignments. Jessica Harrington left in Green Impact, sixth to Lambourn in last month's Irish Derby, while Kalpana, runner-up to Whirl on her last start at the Curragh, is on course to try her repeat her Group One success at Ascot last autumn. Barry Mahon, racing manager for Kalpana's Juddmonte ownership said: 'She is all systems go for the King George. This has been her intended target since her last run in Ireland, and she is in good shape. 'I think her two runs this year have been very solid. We know she is proven over a mile and a half on soft ground, so for her to produce those performances over 10 furlongs on quicker ground is very promising. 'We would be hopeful of a strong showing on Saturday back over 12 furlongs, for all it looks a competitive race. Calandagan is a top-class horse, and we all saw what Jan Brueghel did at Epsom.' Bookmakers struggled to split Jan Brueghel and Calandagan after Monday's entry, with some making the pair 15-8 joint-favourites. In other news, advance ticket sales for next week's Galway festival are up, with significant cross-channel interest for the weekend action. Galway's chief executive Michael Moloney believes the summer showpiece is benefiting from an overall trend of greater numbers of racegoers coming from Britain for big racing festivals here. 'We've seen UK attendances increase at other Irish festivals and I think we get that bounce, too, coming into the weekend. They take the opportunity to come over and it's great to get it,' he said on Monday. February's Dublin Racing Festival, in particular, has seen a surge of cross-channel racegoers with up to 38 per cent of overall attendance made up of visitors last year. Moloney said that hospitality for one of the most famous racing dates of the year in Ireland has all but sold out. Last year's festival attendance at Ballybrit reached 116,374 over the seven days. That was a significant drop from 122,362 in 2023, but on a par with 2022. The two years prior to that were held behind closed doors due to the Covid pandemic. Almost 150,000 attended a decade ago.
