2026 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes Result and Replay - Kalpana exacts revenge on Calandagan
The 2026 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot saw a dramatic encounter between seven Group One winners from four countries. Kalpana, guided expertly by Colin Keane, produced a brilliant finishing burst to claim victory, outpacing defending champion Calandagan and Irish Derby winner Benvenuto Cellini. Trainer Andrew Balding celebrated his first success in this historic race. Despite strong challenges, Kalpana’s ability to settle and accelerate made the key difference, reinforcing her status as a top-class filly in international racing.
- Full result of the 2026 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes
- Kalpana won the Group One feature at Ascot on Saturday
- Watch a replay of the King George finish here on our website
Seven Group One winners from across four different countries clashed in a sensational renewal of the 2026 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes on Saturday.
Calandagan returned to Ascot to defend his crown, and Francis Graffard's star was solid at the head of the betting in the build-up. Japanese superstar Masquerade Ball met with Calandagan again, following a narrow defeat to Europe's best horse in the Japan Cup back in the autumn.
Aidan O'Brien was represented by Irish Derby winner Benvenuto Cellini, and last year's Arc runner-up Minnie Hauk. Kalpana had a length to find with Calandagan from their meeting in this race 12 months ago. Francis Graffard had a second former King George winner in the field too, as 2024 scorer Goliath was ridden again by Christophe Soumillon.
2025 Epsom Derby winner Lambourn was available at a triple-figure price in the minutes before the off. Aidan O'Brien also ran three-year-old Action, who was expected to set the pace. The second Japanese runner, Wurttemberg, completed the line-up for Saturday's main event.
2026 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes Result
| Position | Name | SP |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Kalpana | 13/2 |
| 2nd | Calandagan | 6/5f |
| 3rd | Benvenuto Cellini | 9/2 |
Aidan O'Brien said in an interview during the week that Action was in the field to force the pace, so it was no surprise to see Sean Levey take the outsider straight to the front. William Buick and Lambourn weren't far behind, with Wayne Lordan also going forward aboard Minnie Hauk.
Kalpana settled nicely under Colin Keane, and sat fourth in the early stages. Goliath and Masquerade Ball raced keenly, and had to be settled at the rear. Calandagan was last at the end of the first two furlongs, with Ryan Moore and Benvenuto Cellini a little wide from their draw in stall nine.
After the first half-mile, Masquerade Ball still hadn't settled. Wurttemberg faded rapidly as the pace picked up going around the bend. The three Ballydoyle runners pushed on, and Masquerade Ball became detached, and was eased down fairly quickly by Takahisa Tezuka.
Action gave way and allowed Lambourn and Minnie Hauk to stride on. Kalpana travelled superbly well throughout the contest, and glided her way to the front as the field approached the final three furlongs.
Calandagan and Benvenuto Cellini were hot on the leader's tail. Ryan Moore had seemed confident earlier in the race, but soon came under pressure and his three-year-old mount didn't find much. All eyes were then on Calandagan, as he took aim at Kalpana again. However, unlike 12 months ago, Francis Graffard's superstar couldn't find that extra gear. Colin Keane pushed Kalpana out in the final furlong, and punched the air in celebration as he crossed the line a worthy winner.
Andrew Balding was emotional as he celebrated his first victory in this famous contest. Calandagan went out on his sword in second place, with Benvenuto Cellini rounding off the first three.
Lambourn ran a cracking race to finish fourth ahead of Goliath, who never really featured in the contest. Minnie Hauk paid the price for sitting so close to the pace, and trailed over the line with Action and the two Japanese raiders.
2026 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes Replay
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