Calandagan: A New Champion Rides into the Spotlight

Calandagan Crowned Horse of the Year

Calandagan has officially claimed the title of horse of the year at this year's Cartier Racing Awards in London. The four-year-old, trained by the astute Francis-Henri Graffard, had an exceptional run this season, winning three prestigious Group One races, including both the iconic King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes as well as the celebrated Champion Stakes at Ascot.

The achievement is particularly noteworthy as Calandagan joins an elite group, being only the second horse since Brigadier Gerard in 1972 to secure victories in both of these significant contests within the same season.

“The accolades are well-deserved for this extraordinary horse, whose performances have captured the hearts of racing fans worldwide.”

The Path to Greatness

Calandagan, racing in the storied colors of the Aga Khan, also demonstrated his prowess by clinching victories at the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud in France. Despite facing challenges earlier in the season, where he finished second in both the Coronation Cup and the Dubai Sheema Classic, his resilience and determination have ultimately shone through.

This award does not come without fierce competition. Calandagan faced off against other remarkable nominees, including Ombudsman, who finished as a runner-up in the Champion Stakes yet struck gold in the Prince Of Wales's Stakes and the Juddmonte International. The other contenders for this year's accolade included leading three-year-olds Delacroix and Minnie Hauk.

Recognizing Excellence in Racing

During the 35th annual Cartier Racing Awards, Trawlerman also earned distinction, named as the leading stayer following four impressive victories this year, which notably included a triumph at the Gold Cup at Ascot.

The awards also honored broadcaster and writer Brough Scott with an award of merit for his contributions to the sport, emphasizing the intersection of media and racing—a relationship that is crucial for the sport's visibility and legacy.

The Awards Breakdown

Results from the 2025 Cartier Racing Awards:

• Horse of the Year: Calandagan
• Sprinter: Asfoora
• Stayer: Trawlerman
• Three-year-old Colt: Delacroix
• Three-year-old Filly: Minnie Hauk
• Two-year-old Colt: Gstaad
• Two-year-old Filly: Precise
• Older Horse: Calandagan
• Award of Merit: Brough Scott

The Bigger Picture

The recognition of Calandagan at the Cartier Racing Awards also highlights the broader narrative of thoroughbred racing today. In an era where the sport faces myriad challenges—ranging from declining viewership to increasing competition from other entertainment—accolades like this serve not only as platform for individual achievement but also as a rallying point for fans and stakeholders alike.

As we dissect these results, it's important to acknowledge how the triumphs of horses like Calandagan can inspire a new generation of equestrians and racing enthusiasts. His journey exemplifies the dedication, sheer will, and unrivaled talent that the racing world embodies.

The announcement of such awards fosters a culture of excellence and recognition, encouraging performance standards to continuously ascend. In my view, the future of horse racing is as much about celebrating these success stories as it is about the horses themselves.

Conclusion

As we celebrate Calandagan's achievement, we anticipate what's next for him post-award season. Will he continue to defy expectations, or will new challengers arise in the world of racing? For now, I relish in the moment, reflecting on the passion and skill that define this thrilling sport.