Calandagan claims Champion Stakes crown in style

Calandagan was all class to stride to a smart success in the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot.

The 15-8 French raider, trained by Francis-Henri Graffard and owned by the Aga Khan Studs, was ridden by Mickael Barzalona in a quality field of 11.

John and Thady Gosden's Ombudsman was the 13-8 favourite and the two horses were at the fore in the home straight, but it was Calandagan who held the upper hand to prevail by two and a quarter lengths, upgrading last year's second place behind Anmaat.

Ombudsman was second with 28-1 shot Almaqam a further length and three-quarters back in third.

More to follow...