Login
WATCH FREE
Kalpana wins narrowly on return to action
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Sat 16 May 2026
Kalpana picked up right where she left off last with a cosy success in the Sky Sports Racing Aston Park Stakes at Newbury.
Andrew Balding’s star mare is a dual Group One winner and was last seen striking for a second time at Ascot on British Champions Day, with her return coming under a 4lb penalty at Group Three level.
She was the 11-10 favourite to prevail in a field of five in the hands of Colin Keane, and duly obliged after stalking the field into the straight and taking up the running three furlongs from home.
Simon and Ed Crisford’s West Wind Blows went with her as the market leader got a little lonely in front, but ultimately could not close the gap and eventually went down by a neck.
Kalpana and Colin Keane landed the Aston Park Stakes at Newbury by a diminishing neck on Saturday.(Photo: Francesca Altoft - focusonracing.com)
Of the winner, Balding said: “Her fitness was telling a bit inside the final half-furlong, but she showed she still has the appetite and desire for it and when you sportingly keep horses in training as a five-year-old you just hope they still want to do it and she certainly seems to.
“Twelve months ago we started off by taking on colts in Ireland in a Group One (Tattersalls Gold Cup) which was a tough ask, this was much calmer waters.
“I think she was just getting tired towards the end and was entitled to win the race on ratings. She was carrying a little extra condition and she hasn’t run for a good while, so we’re thrilled.”
While all roads led to ParisLongchamp for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe 12 months ago, this year it will be Kalpana’s beloved Ascot which will be central to running plans.
Balding added: “I think the Fillies & Mares Stakes would be the big plan, we tried the Arc last year and it didn’t work out and I don’t think any horse has won three races consecutively on British Champions Day.
“Next stop will probably be something at Royal Ascot and the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes would be a nice midsummer target having finished second in it last year.
“The Prince of Wales’s Stakes and Hardwicke will be available to her at Royal Ascot and I think if the ground was very soft it might make the Prince of Wales’s more attractive.”
Related posts
Under The Radar: Paddy Magee nominates three to follow
Ross Millar's Monday tips: "he is undeniably well handicapped"
Bond Thoroughbreds: the inside track on their top team
Trustyourinstinct flies home to land Curragh Cup
William Buick set to be reunited with Touleen at Ascot
Featured offers
Bet £10 Get £40 in free bets + Money back 2nd to SP fav with BOYLE Sports
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £30 in Free Bets with TalkSportBet
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £40 in free bets with Kwiff
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Get a £50 free bet when you bet £50 with Coral
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £30 in Free Bets with BallyBet
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Copyright 2026 Racing TV - All Rights Reserved.
Please bet responsibly
Copyright 2026. All rights reserved