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Graffard keen to forget Epsom blip with Calandagan
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Wed 10 Jun 2026
Francis-Henri Graffard is keen to “turn the page” with Calandagan following his heavy defeat in the Coronation Cup at Epsom on Saturday.
The Japan Cup winner was unbeaten in five Group One starts since being narrowly denied by the reopposing Jan Brueghel on the Surrey Downs 12 months ago and he was favourite to avenge that defeat on Derby day.
However, pre-race fears about the suitability of the rain-softened ground proved well founded as he trailed home a well beaten fourth under regular rider Mickael Barzalona, a full 42 lengths behind the George Scott-trained winner Bay City Roller.
Graffard reports Calandagan to have returned to France none the worse for the experience and is hopeful his confidence will not be dented.
“He came back well, I’m happy. He ate everything, he lost five kilos for the journey but he seems happy and just had a steady canter this morning,” the leading trainer told Sky Sports Racing.
“I think we just have to turn the page and I hope next year we won’t go back to Epsom – it’s not a track that suits him at all.
“I’m lucky to have very good older horses so I have to place them. Daryz is going to the Prince of Wales’s Stakes, so I didn’t have many options for Calandagan. We gave it a go and it didn’t work out. We have to look to the future.”
Following his Coronation Cup defeat of last season Calandagan won the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud before making a successful return to Britain in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes and Graffard is planning a similar route.
He added: “Definitely the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud would bring him back for a small field race and hopefully that will be good for his confidence.
“Apart from his debut when he was third he’s never been out of the first two (before Saturday). Last time (at Epsom) was very difficult for him, but he’s a professional and it is our job to give him back his confidence.
“He can beat everything in the morning, but we probably won’t give him hard work. We can do a lot of physio with him and things like that.
“We have a bit of time before Saint-Cloud (July 5) and if he’s not well and ready we won’t run.”
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