English/Ire
Aga Khan Star Calandagan in frame for 2026 Cox Plate at Flemington
Calandagan has strengthened his case for a Melbourne spring campaign, with the 2026 Cox Plate now a realistic target after his latest Group 1 success in the Dubai Sheema Classic.
The French-trained Aga Khan Studs star, rated the world's best racehorse of 2025, has now won five consecutive Group 1 races and stands out as one of Europe's premier middle-distance horses. Trainer Francis-Henri Graffard has suggested the Cox Plate's temporary move to Flemington on 24 October 2026 makes the race more appealing, given the track's spacious, galloping nature. A start in Australia would also be notable because Graffard has never previously saddled a runner there.
Speaking to ITV Racing at Meydan on Saturday evening, the Aiglemont-based trainer said: "He's important for the sport and a flagship horse, so we won't be afraid to travel.
"The Breeders' Cup could be an option, and I don't see why not, but it might depend if we go back for the Japan Cup again. They are very hard races to win and American tracks are quite tight, so it might not really suit his abilities.
"The Cox Plate could be a possible, especially this year at Flemington, which is a big galloping track. But we don't want to be too greedy and we need to think about it and respect the horse. I said to Princess Zahra, 'I hope your passport is okay!' Because we are going to travel."
Calandagan would not be entering unfamiliar territory for international horses. Overseas-trained runners have built a strong recent record in the Cox Plate, with Adelaide, Lys Gracieux, State Of Rest and Romantic Warrior all winning since 2014 when the race was run at Moonee Valley (currently under reconstruction).
The gelding's career trajectory has been a steadily upward curve. After stakes wins at three, including a commanding six-length victory in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot, he developed into a top-class older horse with Group 1 wins in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Champion Stakes and Japan Cup, before adding the Dubai Sheema Classic on Saturday.
An Australian campaign would also carry significance for the Aga Khan operation. The operation's appearances in Australia have been scarce, with Verema confirmed in 2013 as his first Melbourne Cup contender and first runner in Australia. Against that background, Calandagan would become one of the most significant horses the famed owner-breeding operation has sent to Australia.
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