Calandagan was all class to stride to a smart success in the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot.
The 15-8 French raider, trained by Francis-Henri Graffard and owned by the Aga Khan Studs, was ridden by Mickael Barzalona in a quality field of 11.
John and Thady Gosden's Ombudsman was the 13-8 favourite and the two horses were at the fore in the home straight, but it was Calandagan who held the upper hand to prevail by two and a quarter lengths, upgrading last year’s second place behind Anmaat.
Ombudsman was second, with 28-1 shot Almaqam a further length and three-quarters back in third.
CALANDAGAN is your QIPCO Champion Stakes winner! 🏆
— Ascot Racecourse (@Ascot) October 18, 2025
An incredible ride from @mickaelbarzalon 👏 sees him take the win for @GraffardRacing and @AgaKhanStuds 🎉 pic.twitter.com/jVR7Mlj30F
