If there was any doubt about Calandagan’s resolution in a battle, then his King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes tussle with Kalpana firmly answered the question.
Narrowly beaten in four top-level contests since scoring at Royal Ascot last summer, some had looked at the four-year-old’s thirst for victory as a reason why the talented son of Gleneagles was yet to strike at the highest level.
Francis-Henri Graffard never had any doubts and although relief may have been the overriding emotion when Calandagan opened his Group One account in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud last month, this was a moment of sweet vindication for the Aga Khan team who have stood steadfast behind their star middle-distance performer.
“I never had any doubts about his willingness to win and every time he has been beaten he has had excuses,” said Graffard.
“He was really far back in the Juddmonte International and he quickened really strongly, just too late, and in Dubai he again finished strongly when beaten by a very good horse. At Epsom, I had plenty of excuses, but I could never say it was because he didn’t want to try.
“Mickael (Barzalona) knows him better now and he loves good ground and the mile-and-a-half distance. I think there can’t be any more doubt about his willingness to win.”
Having caused a 25-1 shock with Goliath 12 months ago, Graffard this time had the 11-10 favourite on his side and a horse who could quite rightfully class Ascot as his second home.
A regular at British passport control, he once again displayed his liking for crossing the Channel, this time around taking home £850,650 after Barzalona delivered his mount with precision to deny Andrew Balding’s top-class filly.
Graffard added: “I thought the filly might have got away and when she quickened I thought ‘oh my god, I’m going to be beaten a neck again’.
“But Mickael said he was waiting and he really helped him to balance. He said the last 200 metres are long here and he knew he was going to catch her.
“The way he can quicken is very impressive, he’s a very good horse and now we know whatever tactics the opposition have we can be competitive in these top races.”
For Graffard, a second win in one of the season’s key contests cements his position as one of the leading trainers in the world.
Having shown himself to be a powerhouse on home soil, he is now proving it on the global stage, again displaying his willingness to venture into enemy territory and make a daring raid on the spoils.
“I love the sport and competition and when you have a top horse in good form, I think it is important to challenge yourself against the best possible opposition,” said Graffard.
“That is how you can really level-up the quality of your horses and English racing is so strong. I came to Royal Ascot with a really strong team of horses and left disappointed, so it is not easy. When you win, it makes it even more joyful.
“The season has been very strong for me so far, we’re just starting the second half now and I’ve just had a week off to recharge and the stats have been very strong for the stable, so we need to keep bringing the winners and we are working very hard.”
By emulating the achievement of countryman Maurice Zilber – trainer of 1973 and 1974 winner Dahlia – he has now done what many of his contemporaries, including even the great Andre Fabre, have so far failed to achieve.
Dahlia and Zilber were of course thwarted in ‘the race of the century’ when seeking a King George hat-trick 50 years ago.
But on the day next year’s Ascot feature was boosted to a swelling £2million prize-pot, the lure of one of the sport’s greatest races is sure to prove a tempting proposition once again.
“Hopefully. It’s an amazing race and I’m not sure why it is not on the agenda for more horses and stables,” said Graffard when asked about seeking a third win in the race.
“It’s a fantastic race and of course you don’t just come for the prize-money. If my horses are in good form I would definitely come back again.”
