Ascot: Kalpana secures King George victory over Calandagan
Kalpana’s King George Triumph
Kalpana, a five-year-old mare trained by Andrew Balding, delivered a strong performance to win the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. This victory saw her reverse last year’s form against Calandagan, who had previously bested her in the same race. Ridden by Colin Keane, Kalpana won by a length and a half.
The mare, a dual Group 1 winner over the King George course and distance from her victories in the last two runnings of the British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes, demonstrated her ability by beating male competitors. Starting as a 13-2 shot, Kalpana travelled effectively, taking the lead after navigating through the early pace set by Action and Lambourn. Although Calandagan attempted to close from a hold-up position, he was unable to catch the winner.
Benvenuto Cellini, the Irish Derby winner, finished third, a further half-length behind Calandagan. Last year’s dual Derby winner, Lambourn, secured fourth place after staying on under pressure.
Keane described Kalpana as a “special mare,” noting her consistent improvement throughout the year. He expressed surprise at her performance, stating that he believed she would need a personal best just to be placed, making her victory even more remarkable. Keane also highlighted her straightforward nature, praising her ability to start well and relax during the race, which he said made his job easier.
The victory marked Kalpana’s second win from three starts this season. She previously won the Group 3 Aston Park Stakes in May before finishing a short head behind Giavellotto in the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot last month. Following her King George success, bookmakers adjusted her odds for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
A Memorable Day for Balding’s Stable
The King George victory capped a successful afternoon for trainer Andrew Balding and his Kingsclere stable. Balding’s father, Ian Balding, won the mid-summer showpiece 55 years ago with Mill Reef. The day saw Balding’s stable secure three Group winners within two hours, with Kalpana’s performance being the highlight.
Another notable win came from Moonrise in the Princess Margaret Stakes. Ridden by Oisin Murphy, Moonrise won the Group 3 race, holding off Dee’s Funny Girl. This win followed her second-place finish in the Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot the previous month. Moonrise is now listed at 6-1 for the Lowther Stakes at York next month.
Further north, at York, Item secured a victory in the Group 2 York Stakes under Rob Hornby. Item had previously won the Dante at the same track in May but had a less successful outing in the Derby. His return to the Knavesmire saw him beat several older horses, suggesting his Derby performance was an anomaly.
The King George race also featured international contenders. In addition to France’s Calandagan, Japan was represented by Masquerade Ball, the Japan Cup runner-up, and Wurttemberg, who placed second in the Tenno Sho (Spring). Masquerade Ball, ridden by Christophe Lemaire, finished seventh, while Wurttemberg, under Oisin Murphy, was effectively pulled up in the home straight.
Kalpana’s connections earned £1.13 million from her victory in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
Source: racingpost.com
Amelia Stockwell is a Sports Reporter at News GB. She covered two Commonwealth Games for a national outlet. She focuses on tennis, cricket and athletics and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of York and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in York, she runs with a local club and follows county cricket. “The quiet stories often matter most by the end of the season.”
