Calandagan's trainer admits relief at win in surprising King George at Ascot

Calandagan's trainer Francis-Henri Graffard has admitted he was relieved to see his horse gain a big victory at Ascot.

The four-year-old had been sent off a hot favourite on his last four appearances and finished second three times.

But back at a course that suits so well, 11-10 favourite reeled in Kalpana to avoid taking the runner-up spot once again.

There was a length between the top two in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, with Rebel's Romance back in third after he was checked for room at a crucial stage.

"I was more stressed today because a lot of times he has been a hot favourite and he got beaten a few times already," Graffard told Sky Sports Racing.

"So when I saw the filly kicking for home I was like 'oh my god I hope he isn't going to finish a neck second.'

"He's a very good horse, he can quicken, has a beautiful stride. I'm so thrilled for the whole Aga Khan team."

In what turned out to be a surprising renewal, Aidan O'Brien chose Jan Brueghel to set the pace over usual front-runner Continuous.

That changed how the 1m4f showpiece was run, with the Ballydoyle number one having his stablemate positioned on the outside.

Jan Brueghel was soon in trouble off the home turn and Rebel's Romance, trained by Charlie Appleby, got caught on his heels.

By the time William Buick found room, Kalpana had set sail for home under Oisin Murphy and the French raider had to play catch-up.

However this time Calandagan was not content with a silver medal and swept past the filly to take the prize by a length, following up Goliath's win for the stable a year ago.

"He actually means a lot to us and he came at the right time for me," jockey Mickael Barzalona said.

"Since last year it took a bit of time for him to win a Group One, but now we have two in a row.

"To win the King George, for sure, means a lot. He is a lovely horse to ride. He has the engine and he has a beautiful action. He does everything right.

"As a jockey I just need to put him in the right spot and he does the rest.

"All the way I was very confident and I knew I was going to get her."

Barzalona had earlier received a three-day ban for careless riding on Cogitate in the Betfred Handicap. The stewards said he allowed his horse to drift right-handed without sufficient correction which caused interference to several other runners.