Calandagan Proves His Class in a Spirited Juddmonte International Battle at York

Francis-Henri Graffard had every reason to be proud of Calandagan after the French-trained gelding delivered a superb performance to finish second in a star-studded Juddmonte International at York, pushing the brilliant City Of Troy all the way in what turned out to be a record-breaking race.

Fresh off a hat-trick of victories, including a dominant display in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot, Calandagan entered the contest as a 13-2 shot, looking to extend his winning streak in what many dubbed the race of the season. However, standing in his way was the much-hyped Derby hero City Of Troy, who galloped his rivals into submission with a front-running masterclass to set a new course record.

In a race full of drama and high stakes, Calandagan quickly found himself further back than ideal due to the blistering early pace. Yet under a determined ride from Stephane Pasquier, he surged powerfully down the home straight, briefly threatening to reel in City Of Troy. Despite closing to within a length, the Ballydoyle star was simply too strong, pulling away in the final furlong.

“It was a fantastic run,” Graffard reflected. “They jumped very fast, and then took a pull which didn’t suit us, leaving us quite far back. But the way he quickened in the straight was fantastic to watch. I thought we were coming to catch him, but City Of Troy is a true champion.”

This was Calandagan’s first step up to Group One company, and while he ultimately came up short, the performance left no doubt about his class. “There were question marks coming in because he didn’t have Group One form, but the way he accelerated in the straight was superb. He’s a very good horse,” Graffard added.

Looking ahead, Graffard mentioned a possible return to Ascot for the Qipco Champion Stakes in October but emphasized that they would take their time before firming up plans. “We’ll see how he recovers. He gave a lot today. He could travel abroad, but he really suits a big, galloping track,” said the trainer.

Meanwhile, Clive Cox’s Ghostwriter once again took the bronze medal, replicating his third-place finish behind City Of Troy in the Coral-Eclipse. Sent off at 33-1, Ghostwriter showed his class by finishing best of the home contingent. “I’m extremely proud of him,” Cox said. “It was definitely the race of the year, and he’s run a career-best. We’ve always believed in him, and he’s now confirming those high hopes.”

Bluestocking, who has enjoyed a stellar season with victories in the Middleton Stakes and Pretty Polly Stakes, was another high-profile runner. Despite solid support that saw her start as the 5-1 second favorite, she had to settle for fourth. Trainer Ralph Beckett and Juddmonte’s European racing manager Barry Mahon took positives from the run, acknowledging that while she remains top-class, her future lies against her own sex.

“She ran a huge race against some of the best colts in Europe,” Mahon commented. “Today showed she’s better sticking to her own sex, and we’ll likely target the Prix de l'Opéra or the Fillies & Mares Stakes on Champions Day. She’s been ultra-consistent all year, and we’re hopeful she can still add another Group One to her record.”

In a race that lived up to its billing as the clash of the season, City Of Troy was rightly crowned the champion, but the performances of Calandagan, Ghostwriter, and Bluestocking reaffirmed their standing among the top middle-distance horses in training. As the dust settles, all eyes will now turn to the future paths these stars will take, with more thrilling encounters on the horizon.