The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1)-winning team of Mickael Barzalona, Francis Graffard, and Aga Khan Studs continued their awesome autumn when Calandagan landed the Champion Stakes (G1) Oct. 18 at Ascot Racecourse.
In a race in which Godolphin and Coolmore pacemakers ensured an honest gallop, Calandagan picked up best from the rear of the field to beat Ombudsman by 2 1/4 lengths. Almaqam and Delacroix finished third and fourth.
Calandagan finished second in four consecutive group 1s from August last year to June, but he has picked up the winning thread at the top level, backing up wins in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (G1) and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1) with success in this £1.4 million contest.
Barzalona said on ITV: "We went a nice gallop early on, but when he found his stride he was ready to go on the approach to the straight. I could feel Ombudsman coming to me but I was going much better than him.
"He's a very good horse. Francis and everyone in the stable are doing a fantastic job and they all work very hard every day. It's a joy to ride in these colors and I'm very proud to be part of the team."
Graffard continues to bolster his reputation as one of the best trainers in Europe and was delighted to see Calandagan go one better after finishing a half-length second to Anmaat in this race last year.
He said: "He's a fantastic horse and we're lucky to have very nice horses this year who can compete at the top level, so I was able to give him a break before preparing him for this. He arrived in top form and is a real champion.
"Work is easy for him and I worked him with Daryz before Arc weekend because I needed to get him ready for today. He showed Daryz how it worked and to have a gallop with an Arc and Champion Stakes winner is unbelievable.
"We always know he will give his all. I was thinking of the Japan Cup for him next, but that's a tough race to win so we will see how he is and discuss it with the team."
Although the race was not indicated by his connections, Calandagan also secured an automatic starting slot in the $5 million Breeders' Cup Turf (G1T) Nov. 1 at Del Mar through his victory in the Champion Stakes, a Breeders' Cup Challenge Series: Win and You're In event.
Ombudsman ran an honest race in defeat at the end of a campaign that has included wins in the Prince of Wales's Stakes (G1) and International Stakes (G1). His jockey William Buick said: "He ran a super race. He's had some season. We had a slightly awkward draw and there was a very good pace to run at. It was always going to be between myself and Calandagan (as it unfolded). I took the race to him but his stamina probably kicked in and in the last furlong he pulled away. I'm proud of his run."
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