Calandagan the Big Star on Sunday in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud

The brilliant Aga Khan homebred will seek redemption after his uncharacteristic performance in the Coronation Cup (G1) at Epsom

SAINT-CLOUD, France (Special for Turf Diario).— Featuring the return of one of the world's premier turf stars and an exceptionally deep international field, this Sunday’s Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (G1) promises to deliver one of the most compelling spectacles of the European racing season. Contested over the traditional 2,400 meters at the local racecourse, Calandagan will attempt a historic defense of the title he captured 12 months ago.

Trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, the son of Gleneagles continues to compete at the absolute pinnacle of the sport. Following a spectacular triumph in the Dubai Sheema Classic (G1) earlier this year and a subsequent fourth-place finish in the Coronation Cup (G1) at Epsom, the gelding returns to a venue where he has previously excelled and over a surface that perfectly suits his running style.

Should he secure a consecutive victory, Calandagan would become only the sixth horse in racing history to successfully defend the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud title, joining an elite roster that includes Nino (Clarissimus), Tanerko (Tantieme), Rheingold (Faberge), Helissio (Fairy King), and Ange Gabriel (Kaldounevees).

The domestic defense will be spearheaded by Aventure (Sea the Stars), who finished as the runner-up behind Calandagan in this very event in 2025. The Christophe Ferland trainee enters the race in career-best form following a dominant victory in the Prix Corrida (G2), and the talented filly will be seeking both sweet revenge and validation of her recent elite development.

Also representing the home team is Leffard (Le Havre). Conditions look ideal for the Jean-Claude Rouget trainee as he stretches back out to 2,400 meters following a pair of highly commendable runner-up efforts in the Prix d'Harcourt (G2) and the Prix Aga Khan IV (G1). Last season's Grand Prix de Paris (G1) hero remains a formidable threat at this distance.

The international challenge is led by Lambourn (Australia), the phenomenal Aidan O'Brien trainee who captured global headlines in 2025 by completing the prestigious Epsom Derby (G1) - Irish Derby (G1) double. The Irish shipper looks to add another top-level prize to his glittering resume, alongside British raiders Pride Of Arras (New Bay) and Eydon (Olden Times), who complete the visiting delegation.

Beyond its immense sporting prestige, the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud serves as the third leg of the ARC RACES circuit, a series of eight select events where victory guarantees a coveted automatic starting berth in the upcoming Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1).

Furthermore, the high-profile card will once again be featured as part of the World Pool initiative. This collaborative betting pool between the PMU and the Hong Kong Jockey Club will cover five races on the afternoon's program, significantly driving global liquidity and international wagering interest.

With Calandagan aiming to write another historic chapter in his brilliant career and a world-class field determined to thwart his ambitions, Saint-Cloud is primed to become the epicenter of the international racing world this Sunday afternoon.