Jan Brueghel upset Calandagan to win the Coronation Cup for Ryan Moore and Aidan O’Brien. 

The Aga Khan’s Calandagan was sent off the 8-13 favourite to win his first Group 1 after second-placed efforts in the Juddmonte International, Champion Stakes and Dubai Sheema Classic but could not quite peg back last year’s St Leger winner.

The race was run at a genuine pace courtesy of the winner’s stablemate Continuous, which was to the advantage of the strong-staying Jan Brueghel, who was dramatically ruled out of the Melbourne Cup last season after failing a vets check.

He passed Continuous and Ancient Wisdom to lead at the two-furlong pole, and although the held-up Calandagan attacked into the final furlong and briefly edged in front, he ultimately came up short by half a length.

Moore told ITV Racing: “He stays the trip very well, he’s an uncomplicated horse. Aidan had him, as he always does, in unbelievable shape. He showed a great attitude.” 

“Ryan gave him an incredible ride,” the trainer added. “I pitched him in over a mile and a quarter at Naas, but we just needed to get him out to start him. He’s a very brave horse.”

It was a tenth win in the race for O’Brien and fifth for Moore. The pair will combine with Minnie Hauk in the Oaks this afternoon and Delacroix in tomorrow’s Derby.

The next stop for Jan Brueghel could be the Hardwicke Stakes over the same distance at Royal Ascot, while he boasts entries in both the Irish St Leger and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. His stablemate Illinois is set to take on the marathon trip of the Gold Cup.

Giavellotto, the winner of the Group 1 Hong Kong Vase in December, finished third on softer-than-desired ground for Marco Botti and Oisin Murphy.

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Published on 6 June 2025inReports

Last updated 15:21, 6 June 2025