€80,000 Hocquart (Gr3): Calandagan reaches new heights

Thursday, 23 May 2024, ParisLongchamp Racecourse (Paris). - Odds-on favourite Calandagan (Gleneagles) secured a comfortable victory in the €80,000 Prix Hocquart (Gr3) for the Aga Khan Studs. Trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, the gelding ran from behind in a field of five, led by Oscar (Siyouni) and Trafalgar Square (Kendargent). Calandagan effortlessly took over from the latter one out, winning almost 2 lengths on this 1m3f course.

The winner had recently avenged his defeat to Bright Picture (Intello) in the Prix Noailles (Gr3), once again finishing ahead of Trafalgar Square, whom he had previously trailed in the Prix François Mathet (L).

Having been withdrawn for failing to load in the coveted Prix de Crèvecœur at Deauville, Calandagan debuted with a third-place finish in the Prix de Montaigu, also at Deauville, last August. He subsequently won by ten lengths two months later on his second outing on the all-weather at Chantilly. He then returned to action in the "François Mathet."

Calandagan is the second foal out of Calayana (Sinndar), a dual winner, including a victory at Longchamp over 1m6f. She is also the dam of Caliyza (Le Havre), a dual winner at Nancy and Compiègne, and sixth in the Prix Belle de Nuit (L) for the same connections. She was sold privately for €100,000 at the Arqana December Sale to Cava Associates (Cécile Adonias). Calayana also produced a New Bay filly currently in training with Francis-Henri Graffard and yet to be named.