Calandagan might be banned from the Arc but he was welcome and wonderful in the King George
Francis Graffard strikes again on the day Ascot's greatest race receives a huge prize-money boost
A near constant presence in the 75-year history of the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes has been the name of the Aga Khan. There could therefore have been no more appropriate winner of this anniversary edition than Calandagan, whose thrilling display provided a timely reminder of what Longchamp will be missing on the first Sunday of October.
It remains possible Calandagan will one day add his name to the honour roll of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, but that day will not be in 2025.
This King George hero, like last year's King George hero, is barred from the Arc because he is a gelding. Although the leaders of France Galop no doubt cheer on French horses wherever they run, cynics might wonder if they would have preferred Calandagan not to refuel a talking point that, it must be admitted, divides people.
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