Calandagan Returns to Epsom Seeking Revenge Against Jan Brueghel

The world's highest-rated horse renews his rivalry with last year's conqueror in a mouthwatering Coronation Cup that also features Lambourn and Convergent

Few races on the undercard of the Epsom Derby (G1) generate as much anticipation as the Coronation Cup (G1). This year's edition is no exception, and the reason has a name: Calandagan.

The exceptional representative of the Aga Khan Studs returns to the scene of the lone defeat he has suffered over the past year, seeking revenge against Jan Brueghel (Galileo), the horse who denied him victory in the 2025 renewal of the race.

The storyline only adds to the appeal.

Twelve months ago, it appeared the Francis Graffard trainee would sweep past the Ballydoyle runner in the closing stages. Instead, he was outstayed on ground officially described as good to soft. It marked the fourth consecutive Group 1 in which Calandagan had finished second, prompting questions about whether he possessed the killer instinct required of a true champion.

His response was emphatic.

Since that afternoon at Epsom, the son of Gleneagles has assembled a remarkable résumé. He captured the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (G1), reversed the form with Jan Brueghel in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1)at Ascot, defeated Ombudsman (Night of Thunder) in the Champion Stakes (G1), and then achieved international glory by winning the Japan Cup (G1). In doing so, he became the first foreign-trained horse to capture the race since 2005 while also establishing a new course record at Tokyo Racecourse.

Those performances earned him a share of the top spot in the Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings with a rating of 130, currently matched only by Hong Kong sprint sensation Ka Ying Rising (Shamexpress).

His 2026 campaign has begun in equally impressive fashion.

In March, Calandagan captured the Dubai Sheema Classic (G1) at Meydan, gaining redemption in a race where he had encountered trouble the previous year and further demonstrating the maturity and competitive edge that have elevated him to another level.

Now comes the challenge of returning to Epsom.

Heavy rainfall during the week—33 millimeters on Tuesday alone—raised some concerns among his connections, but Graffard has made it clear that the intention remains to run.

"The horse is in great form and is asking to race again," the trainer said. "He has already won on soft ground and, under normal circumstances, he'll be at the start. If we skip this race, it complicates the schedule toward the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud and the King George, so I would prefer to run."

A final decision was expected after discussions with clerk of the course Andrew Cooper and Princess Zahra Aga Khan, although all indications suggest Calandagan will make the trip from Chantilly.

The field numbers only six, but the quality is exceptional.

Alongside Jan Brueghel, Aidan O'Brien will also saddle Lambourn (Australia), winner of the 2025 Derby, and Illinois (Galileo), runner-up in the Ascot Gold Cup (G1). The Irish trainer will be relying on the depth of his squad in an effort to neutralize the favorite.

The remaining challengers are Convergent (Fascinating Rock), Karl Burke's rapidly improving performer coming off an eye-catching victory at Newbury, and Bay City Roller (New Bay), trained by George Scott and most recently second to Almaqam (Lope de Vega) in the Tattersalls Gold Cup (G1).

For Calandagan, however, the focus appears fixed on one rival alone.

Twelve months after a defeat that raised doubts and questions, he returns to Epsom as a global superstar and one of the most accomplished horses in training.

Saturday offers the perfect opportunity to prove once again why he is considered among the very best racehorses on the planet.

With the world's top-rated horse in the starting gate, the Coronation Cup may well rival the Derby itself in terms of anticipation. That's how compelling this showdown has become.