Ascot: Kalpana defeats Calandagan in King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes battle
Kalpana banished memories of defeat to Calandagan in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes 12 months ago, reversing the form in a sensational victory for Colin Keane, Andrew Balding and Juddmonte.
Saturday 25 July 2026 16:21, UK
Kalpana battled her way to a thrilling victory in the international clash of the generations landing a thrilling King George VI And Queen Stakes at Ascot.
Wearing the same Juddmonte colours carried to victory by three-time winner Enable, the five-year-old mare exacted sweet revenge on her conqueror 12 months earlier when she had finished second to Calandagan.
Sweeping into the lead well over a furlong out off the back of a ferocious pace set by Ballydoyle pacemaker Action, the Andrew Balding-trained mare powered clear up the straight.
From there to the line she galloped on strongly to hold off the surge of last year's winner Calandagan to win by one and a half lengths at 13-2.
Irish Derby winner Benvenuto Cellini stayed on well to finish third under Ryan Moore with last year's dual Derby winner Lambourn in fourth.
A field containing the last two winners, Derby heroes, two Japanese raiders, the Arc second and the winners of multiple Group Ones looked on paper the race of year. And on the track it did not disappoint.
More to follow...
