Calandagan: the king of the world who knew no borders

The Aga Khan's crack was crowned as the number 1 of the 2025 season by the IFHA; Obataye was the top South American with 118 points, one more than El Kodigo, the leader among the Argentines

Calandagan closed out 2025 with a formidable campaign / ASCOT

There are seasons that are tucked away in the chest of memories because of a single name, and 2025 will be remembered forever as the year of Calandagan. In an industry that often turns provincial, the grey defending the silks of Aga Khan Studs broke all molds, crossed borders, and proved that class does not care about time zones or surfaces. This Monday, in the heart of London, the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) and Longines put the official seal on what the expert eye had already dictated: he is the best horse in the world today.

With a final rating of 130, the pupil of Francis-Henri Graffard climbed to the top of the podium during the ceremony held at the legendary The Savoy Hotel. The rating, primarily earned through his categorical victory in the Ascot Champion Stakes (G1)—where he beat the highly-regarded Ombudsman (Night of Thunder) by more than two lengths—reflects the superiority of an individual who remained at the pinnacle from the start of the European spring until the end of the year in the East.

Calandagan's 2025 campaign was, quite simply, a textbook on what an international champion should be. He was not content with dominating in France, where he won the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (G1); instead, he went into the lion's den in the United Kingdom to claim the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1) and the aforementioned Champion Stakes.

But the crowning achievement, the one that finally won over the critics, was his foray into the Far East. There, at a packed Tokyo Racecourse, he secured a Japan Cup (G1) for the ages, defeating local star Masquerade Ball (Duramente) by just a head. That victory not only heightened his stature but also helped the Japanese event share the World's Best Horse Race award with the Champion Stakes, both with an average of 126.25.

"Equestrian sport reflects what our brand represents: respect for tradition, high performance, and timeless elegance," noted Yannick Jenni, Longines Vice President of International Sales, while presenting the Equus trophy to the champion's connections.

Behind the son of Gleneagles, 2025 left a group of runners-up of a quality rarely seen, with five horses sharing second place with a rating of 128. Among them, the figure of the Japanese Forever Young (Real Steel) stands out—the warrior who, after his 2024 U.S. Triple Crown run, established himself this year by winning no less than the Saudi Cup (G1) and the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1).

Alongside him, the American Sovereignty (Into Mischief)—winner of the Kentucky Derby (G1), the Belmont Stakes (G1), and the Travers (G1)—the Hong Kong sprinter Ka Ying Rising (Shamexpress), the consistent Ombudsman, and Japan's Masquerade Ball completed a luxury quintet that put on a show in every corner of the globe.

Daryz (Sea the Stars), hero of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1), led the group at 127 points, which also includes Romantic Warrior (Acclamation) and Sierra Leone (Gun Runner), with Danon Decile (Epiphaneia) earning a 125.

The list included 279 horses that managed to break the 115-point barrier, representing 15 different countries, clearly speaking to the definitive globalization of elite turf.

Among the South Americans, Obataye (Courtier) reached 118 points, ranking 71st, after winning the Brasil (G1), the Latinoamericano (G1), and the Pellegrini (G1).

El Kodigo (Equal Stripes) appears at 146th with 116, while 115 was earned by Amor de Contramano (Gouverneur Morris), Earth God (Cosmic Trigger), Khamal (Mendelssohn), Labrado (Le Blues), Need You Tonight (Hat Ninja), Obstacle (Hofburg), Sinsel (Alpha), and The Gladiator's Hat (Hat Ninja).

Calandagan is today the mirror in which everyone wants to see themselves. A horse that brought the spirit of adventure back to racing, who did not shy away from any challenge and who, wearing the Aga Khan's green jacket and red epaulettes, reminded us why this remains the sport of kings. London gave him a standing ovation; the world, quite simply, surrendered at his feet.