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Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Calandagan finally wins his big one as he comes from last to first in the King George at Ascot
LAND GRAB Calandagan finally wins his big one as he comes from last to first in the King George at Ascot Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CALANDAGAN has been called lots of names over the last 12 months, not many of them nice. Well, now he'll forever be known as a King George winner after a performance which silenced the doubters in no uncertain terms. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Calandagan (11-10f) won a King George thriller at Ascot Credit: Getty The horse who long seemed destined to go down as one of the game's great bridesmaids had every opportunity to throw in the towel when Kalpana quickened away and push came to shove. He could have folded like a cheap suit when asked to make a lung-busting run after the filly who'd got first run and was getting 3lb, or hoisted the white flag when eye-balling her in the heat of battle. Instead, he dug deeper than the Channel Tunnel to give his burgeoning trainer Francis-Henri Graffard — a coming force on the world stage — his second King George in a row. Magnifique. Not so the Ballydoyle tactics, which even left Graffard and winning jockey Mickael Barzalona scratching their heads. Here they had the 5-2 second favourite in Jan Brueghel, a horse with abundant stamina who outstayed Calandagan at Epsom two months ago and for whom a strong, end-to-end gallop was vital. Everyone expected the 40-1 rag Continuous to set off on his usual pace-making duties to ensure it wasn't a tactical race. Puzzlingly, he was dropped in behind his stablemate and they ended up going a crawl as Jan Brueghel did the donkey work. It made little sense — not that Barzalona was complaining. He was on the horse with the best turn of foot, so he must have been licking his lips. Mind you, Andrew Balding's fine filly Kalpana showed an impressive burst of her own as she kicked for home at the two-furlong pole. Oisin Murphy moved up going strongly as Jan Brueghel struggled to go through the gears as the pace lifted before she suddenly exploded two or three lengths clear. It looked for the best part of a furlong that Calandagan would be unable to reel her in but, as all the top-class ones do, he quickened once, quickened twice and was going away by a length at the line. He was second in the Juddmonte International, Champion Stakes, Sheema Classic and Coronation Cup — but he's the Chantilly shirker no more. Graffard said: 'I never had any doubts about his will to win, when he's been beaten he has had excuses. 'He was really far back at York last year and he quickened really strongly, probably too late. He was beaten by a good horse in Dubai and at Epsom things didn't go to plan. 'I never thought it was because he didn't want to try and his jockeys have never reported that to me either. 'This is the fifth time Mickael has ridden him, he has been getting to know him and knows what to do on him now. There is no doubt anymore about the horse.' In hindsight, maybe Murphy could have held on for a few more seconds on Kalpana before committing her for home. But Balding was chuffed with the run as she continues to build towards her D-Day in the Arc. He said: 'I'm very proud of her, she's run her heart out again and just been beaten by a good horse. We'll work back from the Arc, now.' It looks like the Juddmonte International at York is next on the agenda for Calandagan, where a mouthwatering showdown with Field Of Gold awaits. Tres bien. 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 Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Calandagan finally wins his big one as he comes from last to first in the King George at Ascot
CALANDAGAN has been called lots of names over the last 12 months, not many of them nice. Well, now he'll forever be known as a King George winner after a performance which silenced the doubters in no uncertain terms. Advertisement 1 Calandagan (11-10f) won a King George thriller at Ascot Credit: Getty The horse who long seemed destined to go down as one of the game's great bridesmaids had every opportunity to throw in the towel when Kalpana quickened away and push came to shove. He could have folded like a cheap suit when asked to make a lung-busting run after the filly who'd got first run and was getting 3lb, or hoisted the white flag when eye-balling her in the heat of battle. Instead, he dug deeper than the Channel Tunnel to give his burgeoning trainer Francis-Henri Graffard — a coming force on the world stage — his second King George in a row. Magnifique. Not so the Ballydoyle tactics, which even left Graffard and winning jockey Mickael Barzalona scratching their heads. Advertisement Here they had the 5-2 second favourite in Jan Brueghel, a horse with abundant stamina who outstayed Calandagan at Epsom two months ago and for whom a strong, end-to-end gallop was vital. Everyone expected the 40-1 rag Continuous to set off on his usual pace-making duties to ensure it wasn't a tactical race. Puzzlingly, he was dropped in behind his stablemate and they ended up going a crawl as Jan Brueghel did the donkey work. It made little sense — not that Barzalona was complaining. He was on the horse with the best turn of foot, so he must have been licking his lips. Mind you, Andrew Balding's fine filly Kalpana showed an impressive burst of her own as she kicked for home at the two-furlong pole. Advertisement Most read in Horse Racing Exclusive Exclusive Oisin Murphy moved up going strongly as Jan Brueghel struggled to go through the gears as the pace lifted before she suddenly exploded two or three lengths clear. It looked for the best part of a furlong that Calandagan would be unable to reel her in but, as all the top-class ones do, he quickened once, quickened twice and was going away by a length at the line. He was second in the Juddmonte International, Champion Stakes, Sheema Classic and Coronation Cup — but he's the Chantilly shirker no more. Graffard said: 'I never had any doubts about his will to win, when he's been beaten he has had excuses. Advertisement 'He was really far back at York last year and he quickened really strongly, probably too late. He was beaten by a good horse in Dubai and at Epsom things didn't go to plan. 'I never thought it was because he didn't want to try and his jockeys have never reported that to me either. 'This is the fifth time Mickael has ridden him, he has been getting to know him and knows what to do on him now. There is no doubt anymore about the horse.' In hindsight, maybe Murphy could have held on for a few more seconds on Kalpana before committing her for home. But Balding was chuffed with the run as she continues to build towards her D-Day in the Arc. Advertisement He said: 'I'm very proud of her, she's run her heart out again and just been beaten by a good horse. We'll work back from the Arc, now.' It looks like the Juddmonte International at York is next on the agenda for Calandagan, where a mouthwatering showdown with Field Of Gold awaits. Tres bien. 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. Advertisement
Rhyl Journal
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
‘Fantasy racing' for York with Japanese superstar in Juddmonte International mix
Last year's Japanese Derby winner travelled to Dubai as something of an unknown quantity having subsequently finished only sixth in the Japanese St Leger, after which he was a close third in the Arima Kinen and won a Group Two. Relatively unconsidered in the betting for the Sheema Classic, he beat Calandgan by a length and a quarter in the Meydan feature, with Rebel's Romance adding substance to the form in fourth. Should he make the journey he may be joined from Japan by Tenno Sho winner Redentor. 🇯🇵 Japan dominating in Dubai Danon Decile powers to Sheema Classic success @RacingDubai #ダノンデサイル — Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 5, 2025 York's chief executive William Derby said: 'It's hugely exciting and I'm thrilled that we've got two entries from Japan. 'Obviously I saw him in Dubai when he won the Sheema Classic, he was devastating that night and he's among the top three (rated) turf horses in the world.' The 10-furlong Group One was again officially the best race in the world last year, when City Of Troy beat Calandagan, and while the winner is now at stud the runner-up could be back for Francis-Henri Graffard who has also entered his hugely exciting three-year-old Daryz. Field Of Gold for the sponsors, Ombudsman, Lead Artist, Detain and the unexposed Nahraan give John and Thady Gosden an enviable hand. Camille Pissarro, Henri Matisse, Los Angeles, Lambourn, Minnie Hauk and Whirl are part of Aidan O'Brien's squad. The 2000 Guineas winner Ruling Court, Almaqam and Anmaat, all entered for the Eclipse this weekend, are engaged. Derby went on: 'It's so exciting for our flagship race, that was rated the Longines best race in the world last year, to have such a potential field. 'We hope success breeds success and with prize-money of £1.25million it's put us on a global stage. 'With Field Of Gold and many others in there it looks like the best turf middle-distance horses in the world could be heading our way, at this early stage, admittedly. 'It was great to see Calandagan finally get his Group One at the weekend having run a blinder behind City Of Troy last year, he could be back again, but his stablemate has been mentioned for the race and he looks very exciting.' All the major races at the Ebor meeting have closed for entries, including a new Group One in the Pattern, the Sky Bet City of York Stakes. 'I'm delighted to see such a strong entry for that,' said Derby. 'There's Lazzat, Inisherin, Quinault, who won on Saturday, and one horse who did catch my eye was The Lion in Winter who would be dropping back in trip. 'The Nunthorpe looks as good as ever and it was so nice to see Jim Goldie and Paul Mulrennan win at Royal Ascot with American Affair. Having won a handicap at our Dante meeting just in May, it would be some story if he can win the Nunthorpe a few months later. 'The Yorkshire Oaks has all the fillies you would expect like Aidan's Minnie Hauk and Whirl among the three-year-olds and then there's David O'Meara's Estrange who looked exciting at Haydock. 'It's that time when you play fantasy racing. I know they won't all turn up, but we're excited about the prospect of some of them turning up.'
South Wales Guardian
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
‘Fantasy racing' for York with Japanese superstar in Juddmonte International mix
Last year's Japanese Derby winner travelled to Dubai as something of an unknown quantity having subsequently finished only sixth in the Japanese St Leger, after which he was a close third in the Arima Kinen and won a Group Two. Relatively unconsidered in the betting for the Sheema Classic, he beat Calandgan by a length and a quarter in the Meydan feature, with Rebel's Romance adding substance to the form in fourth. Should he make the journey he may be joined from Japan by Tenno Sho winner Redentor. 🇯🇵 Japan dominating in Dubai Danon Decile powers to Sheema Classic success @RacingDubai #ダノンデサイル — Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 5, 2025 York's chief executive William Derby said: 'It's hugely exciting and I'm thrilled that we've got two entries from Japan. 'Obviously I saw him in Dubai when he won the Sheema Classic, he was devastating that night and he's among the top three (rated) turf horses in the world.' The 10-furlong Group One was again officially the best race in the world last year, when City Of Troy beat Calandagan, and while the winner is now at stud the runner-up could be back for Francis-Henri Graffard who has also entered his hugely exciting three-year-old Daryz. Field Of Gold for the sponsors, Ombudsman, Lead Artist, Detain and the unexposed Nahraan give John and Thady Gosden an enviable hand. Camille Pissarro, Henri Matisse, Los Angeles, Lambourn, Minnie Hauk and Whirl are part of Aidan O'Brien's squad. The 2000 Guineas winner Ruling Court, Almaqam and Anmaat, all entered for the Eclipse this weekend, are engaged. Derby went on: 'It's so exciting for our flagship race, that was rated the Longines best race in the world last year, to have such a potential field. 'We hope success breeds success and with prize-money of £1.25million it's put us on a global stage. 'With Field Of Gold and many others in there it looks like the best turf middle-distance horses in the world could be heading our way, at this early stage, admittedly. 'It was great to see Calandagan finally get his Group One at the weekend having run a blinder behind City Of Troy last year, he could be back again, but his stablemate has been mentioned for the race and he looks very exciting.' All the major races at the Ebor meeting have closed for entries, including a new Group One in the Pattern, the Sky Bet City of York Stakes. 'I'm delighted to see such a strong entry for that,' said Derby. 'There's Lazzat, Inisherin, Quinault, who won on Saturday, and one horse who did catch my eye was The Lion in Winter who would be dropping back in trip. 'The Nunthorpe looks as good as ever and it was so nice to see Jim Goldie and Paul Mulrennan win at Royal Ascot with American Affair. Having won a handicap at our Dante meeting just in May, it would be some story if he can win the Nunthorpe a few months later. 'The Yorkshire Oaks has all the fillies you would expect like Aidan's Minnie Hauk and Whirl among the three-year-olds and then there's David O'Meara's Estrange who looked exciting at Haydock. 'It's that time when you play fantasy racing. I know they won't all turn up, but we're excited about the prospect of some of them turning up.'
Glasgow Times
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
‘Fantasy racing' for York with Japanese superstar in Juddmonte International mix
Last year's Japanese Derby winner travelled to Dubai as something of an unknown quantity having subsequently finished only sixth in the Japanese St Leger, after which he was a close third in the Arima Kinen and won a Group Two. Relatively unconsidered in the betting for the Sheema Classic, he beat Calandgan by a length and a quarter in the Meydan feature, with Rebel's Romance adding substance to the form in fourth. Should he make the journey he may be joined from Japan by Tenno Sho winner Redentor. 🇯🇵 Japan dominating in Dubai Danon Decile powers to Sheema Classic success @RacingDubai #ダノンデサイル — Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 5, 2025 York's chief executive William Derby said: 'It's hugely exciting and I'm thrilled that we've got two entries from Japan. 'Obviously I saw him in Dubai when he won the Sheema Classic, he was devastating that night and he's among the top three (rated) turf horses in the world.' The 10-furlong Group One was again officially the best race in the world last year, when City Of Troy beat Calandagan, and while the winner is now at stud the runner-up could be back for Francis-Henri Graffard who has also entered his hugely exciting three-year-old Daryz. Field Of Gold for the sponsors, Ombudsman, Lead Artist, Detain and the unexposed Nahraan give John and Thady Gosden an enviable hand. Camille Pissarro, Henri Matisse, Los Angeles, Lambourn, Minnie Hauk and Whirl are part of Aidan O'Brien's squad. City Of Troy beat Calandagan in last year's Juddmonte International (Mike Egerton/PA) The 2000 Guineas winner Ruling Court, Almaqam and Anmaat, all entered for the Eclipse this weekend, are engaged. Derby went on: 'It's so exciting for our flagship race, that was rated the Longines best race in the world last year, to have such a potential field. 'We hope success breeds success and with prize-money of £1.25million it's put us on a global stage. 'With Field Of Gold and many others in there it looks like the best turf middle-distance horses in the world could be heading our way, at this early stage, admittedly. 'It was great to see Calandagan finally get his Group One at the weekend having run a blinder behind City Of Troy last year, he could be back again, but his stablemate has been mentioned for the race and he looks very exciting.' All the major races at the Ebor meeting have closed for entries, including a new Group One in the Pattern, the Sky Bet City of York Stakes. 'I'm delighted to see such a strong entry for that,' said Derby. 'There's Lazzat, Inisherin, Quinault, who won on Saturday, and one horse who did catch my eye was The Lion in Winter who would be dropping back in trip. 'The Nunthorpe looks as good as ever and it was so nice to see Jim Goldie and Paul Mulrennan win at Royal Ascot with American Affair. Having won a handicap at our Dante meeting just in May, it would be some story if he can win the Nunthorpe a few months later. 'The Yorkshire Oaks has all the fillies you would expect like Aidan's Minnie Hauk and Whirl among the three-year-olds and then there's David O'Meara's Estrange who looked exciting at Haydock. 'It's that time when you play fantasy racing. I know they won't all turn up, but we're excited about the prospect of some of them turning up.'
