French globetrotter Calandagan has been officially crowned the world's best racehorse for the 2025 season, capping an extraordinary year of international triumphs. The Aga Khan Studs-owned gelding demonstrated exceptional versatility and class across four different countries, securing his prestigious title through a series of dominant Group 1 victories.
A Season of Global Dominance
The five-year-old son of Gleneagles compiled an impressive record that took him from Dubai to France, Britain, and Japan throughout the competitive season. His campaign yielded four elite Group 1 prizes, with his season-ending rating of 130 placing him 2lb clear of all other contenders in the world rankings.
Historic Double Achievement
Calandagan secured his world champion status by capturing what were statistically the two highest-rated races of 2025. In October, the Francis-Henri Graffard-trained star defeated rivals Ombudsman and Delacroix to claim the Champion Stakes on British Champions Day at Ascot.
He then embarked on a journey to Japan where he made history by becoming the first European-trained horse in two decades to win the prestigious Japan Cup. In a thrilling photo-finish decided by a mere head, Calandagan overcame local favourite Masquerade Ball in what proved to be a defining moment of his championship season.
Royal Connections and Recognition
The official ceremony took place at London's Savoy Hotel during the Longines World Racing Awards, where connections gathered to celebrate their champion who has amassed over £6.2 million in career earnings. Princess Zahra Aga Khan paid tribute to the team behind the success, stating: "This is the result of amazing training, amazing riding, amazing care of the horse and fantastic work in the stable yard."
She elaborated on the long-term commitment required for such achievement: "When you get to the racecourse it is over in three minutes, but it takes four or five years of work. In fact longer, from when we're sitting in the office making those decisions."
Family Legacy and Future Prospects
Princess Zahra reflected on the breeding program that produced this exceptional athlete: "It's been an incredible chapter. My father and great-grandfather bought the original mares, they've done very, very well and Calandagan is a great example of the speed and strength of these families."
The Calandagan story continues to unfold, with trainer Francis-Henri Graffard revealing plans for the coming season. The gelding is being prepared for a potential return to Meydan for another attempt at the Dubai Sheema Classic, where he finished second to Japan's Danon Decile in March 2025.
Graffard expressed his admiration for his charge: "He is such an intelligent horse with a lot of ability and talent, he loves his job and we are so blessed to have him in the yard." Regarding future plans, he added: "I think we will start in Dubai and then we will probably stay in Europe in the summer, then maybe a challenge in the Japan Cup will be on the agenda also."
This recognition solidifies Calandagan's place among the modern greats of international horse racing, marking a triumphant chapter for European racing on the global stage.
