royal ASCOT 2026

Kalpana 

Rules Ascot in a King George Classic for the Ages

Ascot witnessed a race that will be remembered for years as Kalpana delivered a breathtaking performance to capture the prestigious King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, stamping herself among the legends of the sport.

In a contest billed as one of the greatest clashes of the season, the Andrew Balding-trained mare rose magnificently to the occasion. Ridden with supreme confidence by Colin Keane, Kalpana broke sharply from the gates, secured the perfect stalking position, and travelled effortlessly throughout the 2,406-metre championship.

As the field thundered into the home straight, the atmosphere reached fever pitch. French superstar Calandagan launched his challenge, while Irish Derby hero Benvenuto Cellini surged into contention. But every attack was met with an emphatic response. When Keane asked Kalpana to quicken, she exploded clear with devastating acceleration, leaving her elite rivals powerless to respond.

Crossing the line one and a half lengths in front, Kalpana not only reversed last year’s form with Calandagan but announced herself as one of the outstanding middle-distance performers of her generation. Her magnificent victory secures her place alongside racing immortals Enable, the three-time champion, and the legendary Dancing Brave on the illustrious King George roll of honour for owners Juddmonte.

Osborne Lights Up Ascot with Brilliant Treble

The supporting card belonged to Saffie Osborne, whose riding brilliance produced a spectacular treble aboard Amazing Journey, Primo Lara, and Hickory.

The heavily supported Amazing Journey thrilled racegoers with another commanding display in the Moët & Chandon International Handicap, making it three victories from five starts this season while extending an unbeaten sequence at Ascot. The performance confirmed the progressive gelding as one of the meeting’s rising stars.

In the Group 3 Longines Valiant Stakes, Kon Tiki justified strong support with an authoritative victory under a perfectly timed ride from Ryan Moore. At the same time, favourite Touleen could only manage fourth after failing to fire.

Trainer Jane Chapple-Hyam celebrated an excellent afternoon, completing a memorable double when Osborne partnered Primo Lara to victory in the Ascot Shop Handicap, showcasing the stable’s exceptional current form.

The Group 3 Princess Margaret Japan Cup Stakes saw Moonrise continue her rapid rise. Following an outstanding second at Royal Ascot, the Andrew Balding-trained filly, expertly ridden by Oisin Murphy, confirmed her class with a polished and determined victory.

Friday’s Rising Stars Impress

Friday’s programme also unearthed exciting talent for the future.

Alfred Wallace produced a polished performance to land the Listed Flexjet Pat Eddery Stakes for Ed Walker and Oisin Murphy, marking himself as a colt with enormous potential and adding another significant victory to Murphy’s outstanding week.

Meanwhile, Al Azd confirmed the promise shown when runner-up at Royal Ascot by powering home in the Sodexo Live! Handicap. With confidence growing and form on the rise, he is undoubtedly one to follow during the remainder of the season.

From Kalpana’s unforgettable King George triumph to Saffie Osborne’s remarkable riding masterclass, Ascot once again delivered a spectacular showcase of world-class thoroughbred racing—an afternoon filled with champions, future stars, and moments that will live long in racing history.