Calandagan, the five-year-old racehorse trained by Francis Graffard, may forgo the remainder of the European racing season to focus on defending his title in the Japan Cup in Tokyo on November 29. The horse, owned and bred by the Aga Khan Studs, has had a busy campaign so far in 2026.

Earlier this year, Calandagan won the Group One Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan and the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, demonstrating strong form in international contests. However, the horse experienced a disappointing performance in the Coronation Cup at Epsom on Derby Day, where the soft ground conditions appeared to be unfavorable.

More recently, Calandagan competed in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, finishing second by a length and a half behind the winner, Kalpana. Following this race, the team managing Calandagan has indicated the horse requires a period of rest.

Nemone Routh, racing manager to the Aga Khan Studs, confirmed that a break is planned to help Calandagan recover and prepare for the Japan Cup. While the horse is not entirely ruled out for the Champion Stakes at Ascot on October 21, the priority is to give Calandagan the best chance of success in Japan later in the year.

The decision highlights the strategic considerations involved in managing a high-profile racehorse’s campaign across global events. By potentially skipping the remaining European races, connections aim to preserve Calandagan’s form and fitness for what is regarded as one of the world’s premier weight-for-age contests in November.