On a crisp autumn afternoon, Ascot witnessed a performance that left racing fans breathless. Calandagan (IRE), the 4-year-old star of Aga Khan Studs, atoned for last year’s narrow defeat to storm home in the QIPCO Champion Stakes (G1) by two and a quarter lengths, showcasing speed, stamina, and poise in equal measure.
Sent off at 15/8, Calandagan was held up towards the rear early, letting the early pace set by Mount Kilimanjaro (FR) and Devil’s Advocate (GB) unfold. But as the field turned for home, it was clear who had the finishing kick. Mickael Barzalona guided Calandagan through a seamless change of gear, leaving market favorite Ombudsman (IRE) and other rivals scrambling to respond.
Ombudsman, the highest-rated horse in the world at 13/8F, mounted a late surge alongside Calandagan in the final furlong. Yet the French-trained gelding proved unstoppable, stretching clear to secure victory. Almaqam (28/1) finished strongly to claim third ahead of Delacroix, replicating his earlier-season form at Sandown Park.
For trainer Francis-Henri Graffard, this was a crowning moment in a stellar season that has already included victories in the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. “Calandagan is a fantastic horse,” Graffard said. “The way he was working coming into this race was just incredible. He loves this track, and when he found his stride in the straight, it was beautiful to watch. He is a real star.”
Graffard praised his management of the horse’s campaign: “We kept him fresh, not running him too often. Work comes easily to him, but he needs it. Today, he delivered as a true champion.” On the horse’s progress this year, he added: “He is maturing and strengthening. Everything is going the right way, and he is a joy to train.”
Barzalona, riding his second QIPCO British Champions Day winner, reflected on the race: “Calandagan was a bit far back early on, but when he found his action, he was ready to go. I could feel Ombudsman coming, but he simply couldn’t match him. He’s a very good horse and deserves this win.”
Princess Zahra Aga Khan was also delighted: “Once Calandagan had his space, he was unstoppable. He is really coming into his own now. We can keep racing him carefully, and he has the potential to compete internationally.”
Ombudsman’s team, including co-trainer John Gosden and jockey William Buick, paid tribute to the winner. “Take nothing away from Calandagan,” Gosden said. “He delivered a fabulous performance. Ombudsman tried hard from last, but this was a race between two exceptional horses.”
Ed Walker, trainer of Almaqam, and Christophe Soumillon, rider of Delacroix, also praised their horses for battling in a tough field, emphasizing the quality of competition in this year’s Champion Stakes.
Calandagan covered the 10-furlong distance in a display of effortless efficiency, becoming the fourth French-trained winner of the QIPCO Champion Stakes at Ascot, following Cirrus des Aigles (2011), Almanzor (2016), and Sealiway (2021).
Finish Order – 4.05pm QIPCO Champion Stakes (G1), 11 ran:
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Calandagan (Aga Khan Studs SCEA) – Francis-Henri Graffard / Mickael Barzalona – 15/8
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Ombudsman (Godolphin) – John & Thady Gosden / William Buick – 13/8F
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Almaqam (Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum) – Ed Walker / Kieran Shoemark – 28/1
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