Giavellotto produced one of the performances of his career to claim a dramatic victory in the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot, getting the better of Kalpana in a gripping finish that lived up to its pre-race billing.
The Group Two contest had been widely regarded as one of the strongest renewals in recent years, and the race delivered exactly that as three high-class performers fought out the finish in front of a packed Ascot crowd.
Hardwicke Stakes Results.
Run over a mile and a half, the race was contested at a genuine pace from the outset, ensuring stamina and timing would prove decisive in the closing stages. As the field approached the two-furlong marker, the well-supported Kalpana was the first of the leading contenders to make her move. Oisin Murphy, however, had Giavellotto perfectly positioned and tracked the filly’s challenge, while French challenger Goliath emerged on the outside to launch his own bid.
The trio quickly separated themselves from the rest of the field and settled down to a memorable battle. Kalpana showed her customary determination and refused to yield, but Giavellotto’s relentless finishing effort ultimately carried him to the front in the final strides. The Marco Botti-trained runner crossed the line a short-head ahead of Kalpana, with Goliath finishing close behind after his challenge was disrupted when jockey Christophe Soumillon briefly lost an iron during the closing stages.
For Giavellotto, the victory added another notable achievement to an already distinguished international record. The tough and consistent performer had previously captured the Hong Kong Vase and arrived at Royal Ascot following a series of strong efforts overseas, including a creditable third-place finish in the Dubai Sheema Classic.
Trainer Marco Botti paid tribute to the seven-year-old’s durability and fighting qualities after the race.
He admitted there was a moment when Kalpana appeared likely to hold on, but said Giavellotto once again demonstrated the determination that has made him a favourite within the yard. Botti described the horse as an outstanding campaigner who has travelled the world while repeatedly delivering high-class performances.
The trainer also indicated that a return trip to Hong Kong later in the season is likely to be prioritised over a possible appearance in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Connections are keen to keep the horse fresh after another demanding international campaign.
Botti was equally full of praise for Murphy, revealing that the champion jockey had mapped out the race beforehand and executed his plan exactly as intended.
Murphy, celebrating his first winner of the Royal Ascot meeting, felt Giavellotto had been underestimated before the race. He highlighted the horse’s proven ability at the highest level and noted that the conditions were ideal, with fast ground and a strongly-run contest playing perfectly to his strengths.
The champion rider judged the pace expertly and delayed his challenge until late, a decision that proved crucial in the final half-furlong as Giavellotto gradually wore down Kalpana’s resistance.
Despite defeat, Kalpana enhanced her reputation with another brave display. Trainer Andrew Balding acknowledged that the ground conditions may have slightly favoured the winner but expressed immense pride in his filly’s effort. He also praised the quality of the race, describing it as a tremendous contest between elite performers.
There was encouragement, too, for the connections of Goliath. Trainer Francis-Henri Graffard felt the draw had forced his horse to race further back than ideal but took considerable satisfaction from the performance, believing it showed the talented runner was returning to his best form.
Soumillon explained afterwards that a mishap with his stirrup during the closing stages affected his ability to ride out fully. Even so, Goliath remained competitive throughout the finish and lost little in defeat.
Hardwicke Stakes Result
The Hardwicke Stakes 2026 results confirmed Giavellotto’s standing among the leading middle-distance horses in training. In a race packed with quality and depth, he demonstrated courage, consistency and determination to secure a memorable Royal Ascot success, while Kalpana and Goliath emerged with significant credit after contributing to one of the meeting’s most compelling contests.
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