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| Staff Writer |
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The highly anticipated QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot promises a thrilling spectacle as Calandagan, spearheading a formidable French team, prepares for the Gr.1 QIPCO Champion Stakes on Saturday, October 19. This prestigious event, known as Britain’s richest raceday, will once again feature top-tier talent from across Europe.
France boasts an impressive history on British Champions Day, with seven wins to date. Cirrus Des Aigles etched his name into history in 2011, followed by Almanzor in 2016 and Sealiway in 2021, all in the Gr.1 QIPCO Champion Stakes. These victories reflect the strong calibre of French runners on this illustrious occasion. This year, the country looks to add to that legacy with a talented contingent.
Trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, Calandagan has enjoyed a stellar season, including a dazzling British debut at Royal Ascot, where he dominated the Gr.2 King Edward VII Stakes, winning by six lengths. The Gleneagles colt further cemented his reputation at York, narrowly finishing second to City Of Troy in the Gr.1 Juddmonte International.
Graffard, confident in his charge's readiness, noted, "Everything is well with Calandagan, and he looks in very good shape. He accelerated strongly at York, and his final three furlongs were impressive. We’re expecting softer ground at Ascot, but he’s shown form on that surface earlier in the year.”
With the formidable Economics standing between him and victory, the French handler remains optimistic. “We have already met City Of Troy and now face Economics. It will be interesting to see how it pans out, but Calandagan is a very good horse, and we look forward to the race.”
Joining Calandagan in the Gr.1 QIPCO Champion Stakes is Iresine, a dual Group One winner under the guidance of Jean-Pierre Gauvin. A stalwart of French racing, Iresine’s impressive résumé includes wins in the 2022 Prix Royal-Oak and the 2023 Prix Ganay. Fresh from his Gr.2 Prix Foy victory at Longchamp, Iresine heads to Britain in prime form.
Gauvin, excited at the prospect of his first British runner, commented, “We could have stayed in France, but the horse deserves to run in Group One races. This English adventure is something we all want to experience.” Acknowledging the challenges, he added, “The distance may be short for him, but the key with Iresine is the ground. We hope for soft conditions at Ascot.”
Gauvin’s partnership with Marie Velon has been instrumental in Iresine’s success, and the stable is relishing this new challenge. “Iresine is in top form after the Prix Foy, and while the journey to Ascot is a concern, it will be easier than when he travelled to Japan,” he concluded.
In the Gr.1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Sponsored by QIPCO), France is well represented with Metropolitan, Big Rock, and Facteur Cheval. Metropolitan, trained by Mario Baratti, seeks to build on a successful campaign that saw him clinch the Gr.1 Poule d’Essai des Poulains before a strong third in the Gr.1 St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Baratti is optimistic about the colt’s chances, stating, “Metropolitan has improved since the Prix Jacques le Marois, where he was second to Charyn. I think Ascot’s softer ground will help him close that gap.” Metropolitan is also entered for the Gr.1 Champion Stakes, but Baratti believes sticking to a mile is the right move for now.
Facteur Cheval, trained by Jerome Reynier, rose to prominence with a Gr.1 Dubai Turf victory earlier this year. Although his subsequent British performances saw mixed results, Reynier remains confident. “You can forget about his Queen Anne Stakes run—he lost a shoe and was on the wrong side of the track. At Goodwood, the ground was too firm, but I believe he’s in better shape now for Ascot,” Reynier remarked.
With his sights also set on a potential Gr.1 QIPCO Champion Stakes bid, Reynier will monitor Zarakem’s recovery after his sixth-place finish in the Gr.1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Zarakem finished second in the Gr.1 Prince Of Wales’s Stakes at Ascot earlier in the year, showcasing his ability to handle the British course.
Yann Barberot’s Beauvatier is another exciting French runner, currently under consideration for the Gr.1 QIPCO British Champions Sprint. A fast-finishing third in the Gr.1 Prix de la Foret at Longchamp, Beauvatier has been knocking on the door of Group One glory this season.
“Beauvatier ran an exceptional final straight in the Prix de la Foret, showing an incredible turn of foot,” Barberot said. “He’s very consistent, straightforward, and improving with every race. His morning work has been excellent, and I believe he’s ready to prove himself at the highest level.”
With a diverse team of talent across multiple categories, France’s raiders are set to make a significant impact at this year’s QIPCO British Champions Day. From the tactical brilliance of Calandagan and Iresine in the Champion Stakes to the proven class of Metropolitan and Facteur Cheval in the QEII, Ascot could see another French success story unfold on its hallowed turf.