Juddmonte stands as one of the most triumphant entities in the history of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, Europe’s foremost middle-distance race, with this year’s ambitions resting on their homebred mare, Kalpana. The Abdullah family colors have claimed victory in the Arc seven times, with winners including Rainbow Quest (1985), Dancing Brave (1986), Rail Link (2006), Workforce (2010), Enable (2017 and 2018), and Bluestocking (2024).
Bluestocking’s 2024 win brought Juddmonte level with the Aga Khan family at seven Arc victories each. However, that tie lasted just one year; in 2025, Daryz secured an eighth Arc win for the Aga Khan stable, placing them ahead of Juddmonte once again. This year, Kalpana has the chance to restore parity for Juddmonte in the Arc, scheduled for next Sunday at ParisLongchamp.
Kalpana, a 5-year-old Study of Man mare, finished seventh in last year’s Arc and enters the race fresh off Group 1 wins in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes against males at Ascot on July 25, and the Yorkshire Oaks at York on August 20. Barry Mahon, Juddmonte Ireland’s general manager who also oversees their European racing operations, commented that although Kalpana had a tough run last year—hampered by a poor draw and losing a cheekpiece near the finish—new cheekpieces have been acquired in hopes they remain on this time. He emphasized that luck plays a big role in the Arc and remains optimistic about her chances, noting Kalpana is still showing the same eagerness as early in the season.
Juddmonte’s primary retained jockey, Colin Keane, will ride Kalpana in the roughly 1 ½ mile Arc, which also functions as a qualifier for the Breeders’ Cup Turf, granting the winner automatic entry into the $5 million race at Keeneland on October 31.
Mahon joined Juddmonte in 2017 and took charge of their European horses in training in 2021, working closely with trainers across Britain, Ireland, and France. His ties to Juddmonte run deep, with his father Rory Mahon having nearly four decades of experience at Ferrans Stud in Ireland—the facility where all of Juddmonte’s European yearlings are broken.
“For us, the Arc is one of the pinnacles of the racing calendar,” said Mahon. “Discussions about potential runners start as early as March. Some years it’s a straightforward decision, other years, much tougher. The race is extremely difficult to win, and reflecting on past winners reminds you just how exceptional the champions have been.”
Juddmonte has also bred six of the Arc winners: Rail Link (2006), Dancing Brave (1986), Workforce (2010), Enable (2017 and 2018), and Bluestocking (2024), with their very first Arc winner, Rainbow Quest, bred by Alan Clore.
This article was first published by Paulick Report on September 27, 2026.
Fan Take: This update highlights the intense rivalry and rich legacy between powerhouse stables like Juddmonte and the Aga Khan family, fueling anticipation for one of the sport’s greatest tests. Kalpana’s run could not only reshape these historic standings but also inspire new storylines that captivate horse racing fans and enhance the sport’s global prestige.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
