Calandagan left London with the sport’s most prestigious seasonal title after being named Horse of the Year at the Cartier Racing Awards. The four-year-old gelding, trained in France by Francis-Henri Graffard for the Aga Khan, produced a campaign that combined top-level wins, consistency and rare historical achievement.
His season was built around three Group 1 victories: the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, the Champion Stakes at Ascot and the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud. By taking both the King George and the Champion Stakes in the same year, Calandagan joined an exclusive club — the first to do so since Brigadier Gerard in 1972. Runner-up finishes in the Coronation Cup and the Dubai Sheema Classic underlined his ability to travel and remain competitive at the highest level.
Calandagan’s form also earned him the Older Horse award, reinforcing his status as the season’s outstanding older performer. Other leading performers nominated for Horse of the Year included Ombudsman, Delacroix and Minnie Hauk, each of whom enjoyed standout campaigns in their own right.
The Gosden yard celebrated as well: Trawlerman, with a season highlighted by the Gold Cup at Ascot, was named Stayer of the Year. In recognition of lifetime contribution to the sport, broadcaster and writer Brough Scott received the Award of Merit.
Full List of Award Winners
- 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
Calandagan’s 2025 season — a blend of Group 1 victories, international performances and a historic double at Ascot — made him a clear choice for the Cartier judges and a worthy addition to the Aga Khan Studs’ distinguished roll of honour.
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