Calandagan will return to France at Saint-Cloud on Sunday as France Galop’s headline runner in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, with Francis-Henri Graffard’s star attempting to defend his Group 1 title and sharpen his route towards the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
The Aga Khan Studs homebred was crowned the world’s best horse in 2025 after his Japan Cup performance and has already won the Dubai Sheema Classic this year. His only 2026 defeat came when fourth in the Coronation Cup at Epsom, where very soft ground and the track were put forward as mitigating factors by connections.
France Galop confirmed Calandagan’s Saint-Cloud return, with Mickael Barzalona booked and draw eight allotted for the defending champion.
A high-class Saint-Cloud test
The opposition gives the race proper international weight. Aventure, trained by Christophe Ferland, returns after winning the Prix Corrida and seeks revenge for last year’s defeat in this race. Jean-Claude Rouget’s Leffard is back up to 2,400 metres after two strong placed runs, while Aidan O’Brien sends Lambourn, last season’s Epsom and Irish Derby winner.
The stakes are broader than a domestic Group 1. The Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud is part of the Arc Races series, meaning the winner can earn a wildcard into the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe if eligible. For Calandagan, it is a title defence, a form check and an autumn marker in one run.
