English/Ire
No excuses for Calandagan’s Coronation defeat says Graffard
Francis-Henri Graffard said he has no excuses after watching Calandagan fill the runner-up spot in Group 1 company for the fourth time in succession.
Following high-class efforts in defeat in the Juddmonte International Stakes, Qipco British Champion Stakes and Dubai Sheema Classic, Calandagan was sent off a rock-solid 8/13 chance to claim a breakthrough success at the top-level.
Things were looking good for those connected to the Aga Khan Studs-owned son of Gleneagles as Mickael Barzalona urged his mount to the front in the final furlong, but his time at the head of affairs proved short lived, with last year's St Leger Stakes hero Jan Brughel putting his proven stamina to good use and battling back to prevail by half a length.
"I don't have any excuses," said Graffard . "The horse had the perfect run; Mickael gave him a ride with plenty of thought. Going down the hill he found himself behind Ryan and gave the horse plenty of time to balance himself.
"He challenged him, probably took the lead for a moment and then just as they started to climb again, you could see that Ryan (Moore) was finding more.
"He's a very talented horse who needs to win a Group 1 but I'm sure he will. He always gives his best. I don't have any excuses. It was a good performance from him."
On potential targets, Graffard revealed he could return to home soil for a crack at the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud.
He said: "He's in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, don't forget he ran in Dubai so hasn't run in France this year.
"Did I do enough at home? I think he was ready, but a tough O'Brien horse beat me. A horse who will keep finding more."
Check out our FREE Interactive Speed Maps for meetings in nine countries each and every day.