Sole British contender Kalpana surged past the favored Calandagan to win the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, marking an emotional first victory in the prestigious race for trainer Andrew Balding.
The win is particularly significant for Balding, whose late father, Ian, achieved success in the same race with Mill Reef in 1971. "It is a big deal as it is a race we have always wanted to win," a visibly emotional Balding stated. "It defines a season, and it defines a career a race like this. I'm so pleased."
Jockey Colin Keane, aboard Kalpana, noted the strength of the international competition. "It was one of the strongest renewals of the race, with horses coming from all over the globe, so for her to go and do it today is very special," Keane commented. He added that Kalpana, though having won two Group Ones previously, deserved more top-tier victories and demonstrated her true class on Saturday.
The race featured a swift pace set by two Ballydoyle pacemakers. Mickael Barzalona, riding the 6-5 favorite Calandagan, attempted to close the gap in the final two furlongs but could not overtake Balding's mare. Kalpana maintained her advantage, crossing the finish line by a comfortable length and a half. The Irish Derby winner Benvenuto Cellini finished third.
Calandagan's trainer, Francis-Henri Graffard, expressed satisfaction with his horse's performance despite the defeat, citing a less smooth season with an earlier setback in the Coronation Cup and a shifted race date at Saint-Cloud that reduced preparation time. He also mentioned the impact of a heatwave in France on the horses' energy levels.
Aidan O'Brien, trainer of Benvenuto Cellini, was pleased with his colt's effort, particularly his ability to see out the mile-and-a-half trip against older horses. "I think we could look at the Breeders' Cup," O'Brien remarked.
Japanese contenders Masquerade Ball and Wurttemberg finished seventh and ninth, respectively, without making a significant impact.
Earlier in the day, jockey Saffie Osborne rode a 274-1 treble, with wins aboard Amazing Journey and Hickory for her father Jamie, and Primo Lara for trainer Jane Chapple-Hyam. Chapple-Hyam also had a winner with Kon Tiki in the Group Three Valiant Stakes, ridden by Ryan Moore.