3 minute read

Calandagan made his first appearance as the world’s best racehorse a winning one thanks to a snug victory in the Dubai Sheema Classic.

Winner of the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Qipco Champion Stakes and Japan Cup last season, Calandagan was kicking off 2026 as officially the world's best racehorse.

Looking to go one spot better than when runner-up in this race on his seasonal reappearance last year, Francis-Henri Graffard's five-year-old gelding settled well off the pace, which was set by Rossa Ryan and West Wind Blows.

West Wind Blows kicked for home and briefly looked as though he may have stolen it, but Mickael Barzalona never panicked and produced the Aga Khan Studs homebred with a sweeping challenge down the middle of the track.

To his credit, West Wind Blows failed to give in, but Calandagan was always coming home to better effect and went away to make a winning return by three quarters of a length.

Marco Botti's former Hong Kong Vase winner Giavellotto ran a creditable race back in third.

"That was really hard," said Graffard. "It became such a tactical race and it's difficult because there's a lot of pressure that comes with running a horse like this.

"The difference now is that Mickael knows him so well."

Whilst those watching on might have suffered, Barzalona himself never looked phased.

"He's an incredible horse, he's got his own attitude," said Barzalona. "I know him very well now and he always gives plenty in the end, I just need to trust him.

"That's all that jockeys dream about, to find this kind of incredible horse and I'm very glad and very grateful for the opportunity to be part of this team as well.

"I thought my main dangers were Giavellotto and the Mullins horse [Ethical Diamond] which was behind me.

"And when I thought I was going much better than Giavellotto, it was my turn to go. I didn't expect West Wind Blows to give me that hard a race."

The son of Gleneagles now looks set to return to Europe following his globetrotting expeditions.

Princess Zahra Aga Khan added: "I think we might go home for a while, because the rest of us are exhausted, let alone the horse.

"I think we might take a bit of a breather and then stay in Europe at the start of the summer, then we'll see.

"Ultimately if we end up going back to Japan at the end of the year - I mean it's a very long way off - all the races he's run in already are options. Francis and the team and I have to discuss it."