Few weeks in the international racing calendar offer such a sweeping array of emotion and excellence as we have just witnessed – and indeed are about to witness again.
The resounding victory of CALANDAGAN in last weekend’s G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2392m) at Ascot was a performance of poise, power and precision. In a race steeped in heritage, having been won by legendary names such as Nijinsky, Shergar and Galileo, CALANDAGAN’s name now sits comfortably among them after delivering a dominant display.
To win a King George is to etch a place in racing’s historical firmament – to do so in such commanding fashion is to announce oneself as a generational talent. For CALANDAGAN to have dismissed such a talented field, all of which were proven Group 1 winners, is a testament to both his ability and the expert training of Francis-Henri Graffard, who has one of the best stables in world racing currently.
It was a race befitting the legacy of its name, and one that further underlined the strength of European middle-distance racing in a year already rich in narrative. Indeed, it’s only fitting that a race of such stature will offer an increased £2 million prize fund from next season – a strategic increase aimed at strengthening the race’s global appeal. In today’s fiercely competitive landscape, securing elite runners requires more than history and prestige alone. While we take pride in Hong Kong’s standing as one of the world’s premier racing jurisdictions, we must continue to evolve to maintain that position. Standing still is not an option.
Speaking of international exploits, I was delighted to see instant success for two of our travelling riders, who are competing in other jurisdictions during the off-season.
Alexis Badel made an immediate impact during his short-term stint in Japan. A consummate professional and a credit to Hong Kong racing, Alexis has already posted three wins at Chukyo Racecourse – a remarkable beginning given the depth of local talent and the unique style of racing in Japan.
Alexis’ adaptability and determination were on full display as he stormed around the field to grab victory by a nose aboard SACCARELLO, showcasing his strength in pace judgment and race awareness. He followed up his maiden victory in Japan with a double the following day, again at Chukyo, aboard MEDITERRANEAN and PEACEFUL NIGHT.
Alexis has always carried himself with dignity and ambition, and this latest chapter in his career will only further elevate his standing as one of the world’s most versatile riders.
Meanwhile, in South Africa, another of our jockeys tasted success on Sunday (27 July) when Keagan de Melo teamed up with ZALATORIS to claim the G2 Follow@WorldPool on X Stakes (1200m) at Greyville Racecourse in some style.
It was a reminder of Keagan’s knack for putting in commanding big-race performances and the composure and race acumen he possesses as he timed a run through the centre of the track to perfection. Hopefully, a successful stint at home will serve as a boost for Keagan’s 2025/26 campaign back in Hong Kong.
These international assignments are more than personal milestones. They are symbols of the interconnectedness of modern racing and the shared respect that unites elite racing communities across borders. I hope Alexis’ time in Japan, and likewise Keagan’s at home in South Africa, serve as a reminder to our friends abroad of the quality of riders we boast in Hong Kong.
As we shift focus from Ascot to Sussex, the stage is set for another classic British festival with this week’s Goodwood Festival. The first three days of the Festival form part of our simulcast programme. One of the crown jewels of the UK’s summer season, Goodwood is known for its striking course layout, its rolling countryside setting and, of course, its ability to deliver elite racing drama year after year.
It is not only aesthetically beautiful but also tactically demanding, especially given Goodwood’s undulating course and the sharp turns which test both jockey and horse. Each of the three main features this week brings its own flavour of intrigue.
On Tuesday (29 July), the G1 Goodwood Cup over 3209m takes centre stage. This two-mile test of stamina, carded as (S1-4) and getting underway at 10.05pm, has long served as a benchmark for stayers and has often shaped the staying scene globally. ILLINOIS is the hot favourite for Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore as the son of the great Galileo seeks his first Group 1 title at the fifth time of asking, following second-place finishes in his last three attempts. There are numerous threats in a talented field of eight, but the prime challenge comes from John & Thady Gosden’s impressive four-year-old FRENCH MASTER. The Frankel colt is on for a hat-trick of wins after a previous victory at Goodwood and a remarkable victory in an Ascot handicap last time out. I rate him a win and place chance to claim the feature.
Wednesday’s (30 July) highlight is the G1 Sussex Stakes, carded as S2-4 and run over 1609m at 10.05pm. A scene of some thrilling clashes through the years, this edition is once again being dubbed a ‘Duel on the Downs’ with Richard Hannon’s progressive four-year-old ROSALLION, who is seeking a fourth Group 1 victory, taking on Aidan’s much-vaunted three-year-old HENRI MATISSE, the reigning Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf champion. My fancy, however, is the exciting son of Kingman FIELD OF GOLD, last seen destroying the field in the St James’ Palace Stakes at Ascot. The Juddmonte colt was so impressive last time out, and before that in a decisive win in the Irish 2000 Guineas, that it’s difficult to see past him and I make him a strong win chance. The Sussex is famed for testing class at the mile – it is not merely a race of speed but of positioning, balance and timing, especially with the downhill run into the straight. As always, it could come down to the wire and it will be compelling viewing.
The feature events are rounded out by the G1 Nassau Stakes on Thursday (31 July). The 1979m test, carded as S3-4 and going to post at 10.05pm, is the premier summer contest for fillies and mares. Aidan’s gun filly WHIRL was an impressive winner at The Curragh last time out. She won going away from the King George runner-up KALPANA that day, and naturally leads the betting market. Her main rival looks to be Andrew Balding’s SEE THE FIRE – by the great Sea The Stars – who is looking to go one better than her runner-up effort in last year’s running of the Nassau. She’s my pick of the seven-runner field. The Nassau Stakes often provides telling insights into autumn Group 1 contenders and, occasionally, future stars for the Japan Cup or Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf.
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