The spotlight returns to Calandagan Dubai Sheema Classic ambitions on Saturday, as the world’s top-rated racehorse of 2025 begins his title defence in the $6 million Longines Dubai Sheema Classic (G1) at Meydan, a contest steeped in middle-distance excellence and global prestige.
Few races on the international calendar carry such depth of history. From early standouts like Fantastic Light and Heart’s Cry to later champions including St Nicholas Abbey and Cirrus Des Aigles, the Sheema Classic has long been a proving ground for elite turf performers. More recently, stars such as Mishriff, Rebel’s Romance and Equinox have added their names to an honour roll that continues to define the race’s stature.
Into that lineage now steps Calandagan, whose remarkable 2025 campaign—featuring four Group 1 victories across France, Britain and Japan—elevated him to global supremacy. Bred by the Aga Khan Studs, the son of Gleneagles has become a rare blend of public favourite and professional benchmark.
Trainer Francis Graffard reflects on that rise with measured admiration. “His consistency is what sets him apart,” he says. “Mentally and physically, he’s made for it. Nothing seems to trouble him now.”
Consistency key to Calandagan Dubai Sheema Classic defence
That reliability was not always obvious. Graffard recalls a younger horse still finding his way, more immature than difficult, gradually growing into the athlete he is today. Now, however, the expectations have shifted.
“This year he will be the one to beat every time he runs,” Graffard notes. “But he doesn’t know that—only we do.”
For Nemone Routh, who has spent more than two decades within the operation, Calandagan represents something deeper than racecourse success. He is, in many ways, the embodiment of the programme’s long-term vision.
“He’s hugely important for us,” she explains. “He has that blend of acceleration and strength, and he’s versatile—effective over a mile and a quarter and a mile and a half, and on different types of ground. He proved last year that he’s the complete package.”
His international exploits have already carried the stable into new territory, notably with a landmark success in Japan—an achievement that broadened both horizons and ambition.
“I think anyone would want to own Calandagan,” Routh adds, succinctly capturing his appeal.
There is, however, an unusual dimension to his story. As a gelding, Calandagan will not contribute directly to future generations, yet his influence is already being felt within the family. His dam, Calayana, continues to produce winners, and his siblings have seen their value rise significantly.
“It’s a new departure for us,” Routh admits. “But he’s revived a family that had faded a little. His success has added real depth and value to the stud.”
Beyond pedigree and performance, those closest to the horse point to an intelligence that defines his approach to racing. Work rider Jeremy Lobel describes an athlete acutely aware of his surroundings and responsibilities.
“He understands exactly what is required of him,” Lobel says. “When we’re keeping him relaxed, he does only what’s asked. But when it’s time to step up, the response is immediate—he changes gear effortlessly.”
That ability to conserve and deploy energy at precisely the right moment was evident in last year’s Sheema Classic, where Calandagan surged from well off the pace to finish strongly behind Danon Decile. It was a performance that hinted at greater things to come.
Now, returning to Meydan, he carries not just expectation but the weight of being the world’s benchmark. For Graffard, for Princess Zahra Aga Khan, and for the global audience watching on, the new season begins with a familiar question—can the champion do it again?
If his trajectory so far is any guide, few would bet against him.
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