[close]

With contacts from around the world, Racing and Sports provides something no other website can - information and form prior to a race with news and views after a race. This is both written, audio and visual. As a result, our appeal is unmatched.

As the most sought after tool for your international racing and punting needs, Racing and Sports has dedicated coverage in various sections to help you navigate the global sport.

We have Singapore/Malaysia, UK/Ireland/Europe, Hong Kong/Macau, South Africa, Japan, USA plus other international jurisdictions.

Stick with Racing and Sports for everything you need to know in the racing game.

English/Ire

Calandagan claims Cartier Horse of the Year crown

“Calandagan is a very special horse”

CALANDAGAN.
CALANDAGAN. Picture: Pat Healy Photography

The Francis-Henri Graffard-trained Calandagan was crowned Cartier Horse of the Year following a sensational season that featured commanding victories in both the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes and QIPCO Champion Stakes.

A striking son of Gleneagles, Calandagan, who is all set to embark on his international travels to contest the Japan Cup at the end of the month, became the fourth horse bred by the Aga Khan Studs to be crowned Cartier Horse of the Year following Daylami (1999), Dalakhani (2003) and Zarkava (2008).

"It has been a very special evening in many ways, and Calandagan is a very special horse," said Princess Zahra Aga Khan, who was presented with the Cartier Horse of the Year Award.

"He has been trained by a very wonderful trainer, and this is a very special moment for us because Nemone [Routh, racing manager] and I have been working on this together for almost 30 years and the whole team has really contributed to this.

"It is wonderful and Francis has done an amazing job, as has Mickael Barzalona and all the team at the stud and the stables."

As well as being crowned Cartier Horse of the Year, Francis-Henri Graffard's four-year-old was also named the winner of the Cartier Older Horse award.

Graffard added: "It is amazing to be here. It is my first time at the Cartier Awards. It has been an incredible season, and he is an incredible horse, so I'm delighted for him."

Calandagan also added the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud to his list of successes earlier in the season, but Graffard was in no doubt when it comes to his best performance of the year.

He said: "The Champion Stakes – I was dropping him back in distance and the field was very strong. The ground was good, which was fantastic for the sport, and we saw a fantastic race. I was delighted to win this race. The horse was unbelievable, he's progressing, and I was happy to see that.

"He is actually on the plane going to Japan. It is going to be a very tough challenge, but I think I have the right horse to take on that challenge and hopefully it goes well next week."


Racing and Sports
Check out the latest South African News