Kalpana wins King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes

In a thrilling reversal of fortune, the five-year-old mare Kalpana surged to victory in the prestigious King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on Saturday, July 25, 2026. Trained by Andrew Balding and ridden by Colin Keane, the Juddmonte-owned filly held off a late charge from last year's champion, Calandagan, to win by one and a half lengths, securing the richest prize in British racing.

The race, which featured a stellar international field of nine contenders, lived up to its billing as a clash of generations and continents. Kalpana, sent off at odds of 13-2, settled in mid-pack as a strong pace was set by Aidan O'Brien's pacemaker, Action. Keane angled the mare outside entering the final bend, taking command more than a furlong from home. Despite a determined bid from the 6-5 favorite Calandagan under Mickael Barzalona, Kalpana powered clear down the straight, stopping the clock in 2:27.72 over good-to-firm ground. Irish Derby winner Benvenuto Cellini finished a close third, a half-length behind the runner-up.

For Balding, the victory was an emotional family milestone, ending his long pursuit of a race his father, the legendary trainer Ian Balding, won with Mill...