Calandagan shone brightly to cap a dream season at Ascot

The Gleneagles colt provided another moment of joy for the Aga Khan Studs, capturing the QIPCO Champion S. (G1)with authority, defeating a star-studded field and cementing his place among the world’s elite middle-distance performers

Calandagan’s powerful finishing kick carried him to victory in the QIPCO Champion Stakes / BREEDERS' CUP

BERKSHIRE, England (Special to Turf Diario)—On a thrilling QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot, Calandagandelivered the performance of his career to capture the QIPCO Champion S. (G1), one of Europe’s most prestigious races. With a perfectly judged ride from Mickael Barzalona and under the care of French trainer Francis-Henri Graffard, the 4-year-old bay confirmed both his class and continued improvement, stamping his authority on the race and further enhancing his credentials ahead of the GI Breeders’ Cup Turf, for which he had already earned a berth through his victory in the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth S. (G1).

Run over 2000 meters on good ground, the race drew some of the continent’s leading middle-distance performers. Mount Kilimanjaro (Siyouni) and Devil’s Advocate (Too Darn Hot) set a strong pace early, while Calandagan, Ombudsman (Night of Thunder), and Delacroix (Dubawi) settled quietly in behind, waiting for their moment to strike.

Turning for home, the early leaders began to fade under pressure as Almaqam (Lope de Vega) launched a bold bid. But soon after, Barzalona asked Calandagan to quicken, and the response was immediate—smooth, powerful, and decisive, the hallmark of a superior horse. With 200 meters to run, the Gleneagles colt took command and maintained a clear advantage to the wire, holding Ombudsman at bay by a length, with the rest left well behind. The final time was 2:03.19, on a track in pristine condition befitting the grand finale of the European season.

For Barzalona, it marked a second victory in the Champion Stakes, following his 2021 success aboard Sealiway (Galiway). Visibly moved, the rider said, “He’s an exceptional horse—he truly deserved this. When he found his rhythm and I asked him, he gave me everything. I could feel Ombudsman coming, but I knew I had plenty more horse underneath me. It’s an honor to win again in these colors; I’m proud to be part of this team.”

The French jockey also praised Graffard’s operation: “It’s been a tremendous team effort. The dedication of everyone at the stable made this result possible.”

For Francis-Henri Graffard, Calandagan’s triumph crowned a dream season that already included victories in the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth S., the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, and now the Champion S., all in the same year.

“He’s a fantastic horse,” said the trainer. “We were fortunate to give him a break and bring him back specifically for this race. He arrived in perfect condition and proved once again that he’s a true champion. Having horses like him is a privilege.”

With this latest success, Calandagan firmly established himself as Europe’s standout older horse of the year, while adding another golden chapter to the illustrious history of the Aga Khan Studs.