Calandagan Crowned Cartier Racing Awards Horse of the Year
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Calandagan, a four-year-old trained in France by Francis-Henri Graffard, has been named Horse of the Year at the prestigious Cartier Racing Awards in London. The honor recognizes a stellar season for the Aga Khan-owned colt, marked by victories in three Group One races, including both the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the champion Stakes at Ascot. https://www.racingpost.com/news/international/calandagan-crowned-cartier-horse-of-the-year-after-remarkable-season/5663911
A Season of Dominance
Calandagan’s achievements place him in exclusive company. He is only the second horse, after Brigadier Gerard in 1972, to win both the king George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the champion Stakes in the same year. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/nov/23/calandagan-named-cartier-horse-of-the-year-after-ascot-double
Beyond these signature wins, Calandagan also secured victory in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud in France. He demonstrated consistency throughout the year, finishing second in both the Coronation Cup and the Dubai Sheema Classic.
Other Award Winners
The Cartier Racing Awards recognized excellence across various categories:
* Leading Stayer: Trawlerman, trained by John and Thady Gosden, was honored as the leading stayer following a successful year that included a win in the Gold cup at Ascot. https://www.racingpost.com/news/international/calandagan-crowned-cartier-horse-of-the-year-after-remarkable-season/5663911
* Award of Merit: Broadcaster and writer Brough Scott received the Award of Merit, recognizing his significant contribution to the sport. https://www.racingpost.com/news/international/calandagan-crowned-cartier-horse-of-the-year-after-remarkable-season/5663911
Nominees and Competition
Calandagan faced strong competition for the Horse of the Year title, with nominations also including Champion Stakes runner-up Ombudsman (winner of the Prince of Wales’s Stakes and Juddmonte International), and leading three-year-olds Delacroix and Minnie Hauk.
looking Ahead
Calandagan’s success marks a high point in his racing career. The Cartier Racing Awards are widely considered among the most prestigious accolades in the thoroughbred racing world, and this recognition solidifies Calandagan’s place among racing’s elite. Fans and industry experts will be watching with interest to see what the future holds for this exceptional horse.
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