Carandagan claimed victory in the Grand Prix des Crowd, securing second place in his fourth consecutive top-tier Group 1 race. “I wanted to see the horse find his rhythm and sustain his pace over a longer distance. Once I saw him making his move, I started shouting,” said Graferd. “He performed exceptionally well today too. He’s a strong competitor with back-to-back wins at the Group level.”
Despite her loss, Andrew Barding’s Kalpana remains the 8-1 favorite for the upcoming October Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. The King George, a highlight of the flat racing season, was announced on Saturday as the richest race in the UK for next year, offering a £2 million prize. This year, the purse stands at £1.5 million, and alongside Epsom’s Derby, it has a prestigious list of past champions, including legends like Nijinski, Shergar, Dancing Brave, and Galileo.
The 2025 King George marked the 75th running of the race, celebrated with a thrilling, unforgettable finish that Grandi described as a “race of the century,” 50 years after its memorable past.
Fan Take: This news is thrilling for horse racing enthusiasts as it highlights rising stars and historic milestones in the sport, promising exciting competition ahead. The growing prize money and legendary status of races like the King George and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe further elevate the sport’s prestige and global appeal.
