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| Staff Writer |
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Calandagan secured a dominant victory in the Gr.2 King Edward VII Stakes, marking the first French-trained winner at Royal Ascot since Watch Me's triumph in the 2019 Coronation Stakes.
Francis-Henri Graffard, who oversees the training of Calandagan, replicated his success with Watch Me by sending the talented colt to Royal Ascot.
Calandagan, sired by Gleneagles and owned/bred by HH The Aga Khan, started from an outside draw in 13. Under the guidance of jockey Stephane Pasquier, Calandagan ran a strategic race.
The duo made a wide move in the straight and surged ahead to clinch victory by an impressive six lengths, leaving Space Legend and Royal Supremacy to secure the minor placings.
Notably, Calandagan underwent gelding after competing in two races as a juvenile. The colt entered the King Edward VII Stakes after securing two Gr.3 victories at Longchamp, further showcasing his remarkable form leading up to the race.
Graffard said: “I am very impressed. I was so down after my filly [Rouhiya finished last in the Coronation Stakes] earlier, but this horse did it very easily. My wife was cheering beside me – we enjoyed the moment.
“With the draw, we found ourselves a little bit at the back, but we decided to ride him for himself. He’s not used to a big field like that, but he is very straightforward. It is just unbelievable how he quickened all the way.
“I am so happy for the whole family. We had a tough week with Dolayli and Rouhiya, so it’s good to finish on a nice winner like him.”
On the decision to geld the winner, he said: “The first time out at Deauville, he was very difficult – difficult to load, and didn’t want to try much, so we had no choice.”
Stephane Pasquier said: “Calandagan is a fantastic horse. It was a bit complicated in the first part. He needed to be nice from the gate, nice during the race, and today he was perfect. The pace was fast enough to come from behind.
"I think he will travel around the world now, hopefully for lots of money."
Princess Zahra Aga Khan said: “Calandagan did it very, very well. He has shown himself to be improving over the last few months, but today he surprised all of us and he has shown himself to be a very good horse.
“They are all home-bred. It is not one of our oldest families, but to see this family do well again... it’s a very consistent family and they tend to be a mile-and-a-half horses, but I think he has a turn of foot that is wonderful to see.”
James Doyle said of Space Legend: “I am really pleased. He quickened up well, but my fellow kept galloping so he’ll stay. In time he’ll get a bit further as well.”
Royal Supremacy’s rider Oisin Murphy said: “Career-best from him and it was worth supplementing him. I am very happy. There was a good speed on; I followed James Doyle, who was second.”
1st- Calandagan (H H Aga Khan) Francis-Henri Graffard / Stephane Pasquier
2nd- Space Legend (Wathnan Racing) William Haggas / James Doyle
3rd- Royal Supremacy (Michael Blencowe) Andrew Balding / Oisin Murphy