Calandagan, Ombudsman, and Delacroix Set to Clash in Qipco Champion Stakes Epic
The Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot promises a thrilling showdown as French star Calandagan tests his mettle against rivals Ombudsman and Delacroix in what is shaping up to be a classic renewal of the prestigious race.
Francis-Henri Graffard’s charge has already demonstrated a clear affinity for the Berkshire track, securing victories in the King Edward VII Stakes last year and the King George this season. He also finished a narrow second to the now-retired Anmaat in the same race twelve months ago, establishing himself as a formidable competitor on British soil. Connections are optimistic about another strong performance from the colt, having kept him fresh since his triumph in late July.
According to a representative of the Aga Khan Studs, the team is pleased with the current conditions. “It’s a wonderful race, we’re very happy that it’s being run on good ground and we’re very happy with his draw (stall seven) because last year he was drawn one and it didn’t really suit him,” they stated. “He broke poorly, and the jockey had to work to secure a position on the inner track, which ultimately didn’t pan out.”
While acknowledging a potential question mark regarding the mile-and-a-quarter trip – Calandagan hasn’t raced at that distance since last year’s Champion Stakes – the team remains confident in the horse’s versatility and current form. “He’s a very reliable horse – he always runs a good race,” the representative added. “We’ll just have to see how he sits in this field. He’s been our flagbearer this year and it should be a really exciting race – I think it’s good for the sport.”
Currently, betting markets place Calandagan as the second favorite for the Champion Stakes, positioned between Ombudsman and Delacroix, who are set to renew their rivalry for the third time this season, with their head-to-head record currently standing at one win apiece.
The Aidan O’Brien-trained Delacroix narrowly defeated Ombudsman in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown in early July. However, John and Thady Gosden’s Ombudsman emphatically reversed the result in the Juddmonte International at York the following month, establishing himself as the current favorite to confirm his superiority.
William Buick, set to ride Ombudsman, shared insights from the Godolphin website. “Ombudsman had a nice rest after York, where he showed everyone what he could do,” Buick said. “I have ridden him at home and he appears to be in great form. I think the likely ground conditions are going to help everybody and it’s a great race to be part of.”
Delacroix has since returned to winning form with a victory in the Irish Champion Stakes and now aims to become only the seventh horse to achieve the Champion Stakes double. O’Brien expressed his satisfaction with the horse’s preparation. “Everything has gone great since Leopardstown, we’ve been happy with everything since,” he said. “Ascot is an incredible place, we’ve got an incredible race on and it’s going to be lovely ground, so I think everybody is looking forward to it.”
O’Brien emphasized the importance of competitive racing. “That’s what everybody does it for, I know that’s what our lads do it for and that’s what we all want to see – the best horses meeting on the big days all the time and races being as competitive and as fair as possible.”
Also entering the fray are Andrew Balding’s contenders, the rapidly improving Almeric, who has won all three of his starts since finishing fourth on his debut, and Fox Legacy, fresh off victories in the John Smith’s Cup at York and a conditions race at Goodwood in early August.
Balding acknowledged the challenge ahead for Almeric. “It was frustrating because he won the Feilden Stakes in April but then he got an injury which meant we missed the French Derby,” he explained. “This is in at the deep end. I’m sure he will be capable of mixing it at the top level in time, but whether that is on Saturday we’ll find out.”
Regarding Fox Legacy, Balding noted, “I think this horse has really found his feet. We thought it might cut up but it’s as deep a Champion Stakes as we have seen in years. The plan has kind of backfired and we’re 25-1 rather than say 10-1, but he’s a capable horse who will give his best.”
Adding further intrigue to the contest is First Look, trained by Andre Fabre, who secured a win in the Prix Dollar at Longchamp on Arc weekend a fortnight ago and was supplemented to the race on Monday.
A racing advisor for owners Wathnan Racing stated, “We’ve had to supplement him and it’s obviously a phenomenal race. It’s going to be difficult, but we’ll find out how good he is. If he’s within two or three lengths of the winner, if that’s finishing in mid-division or wherever, then we know we’re in great shape for next year. He’s a gelding and we don’t need to protect him, he’s won his last three starts, but we know this is a completely different league.”
The Qipco Champion Stakes is poised to deliver a captivating spectacle, showcasing the talents of some of the world’s leading horses and solidifying its reputation as a highlight of the racing calendar.
