Calandagan withdrawn from Juddmonte International as York Ebor Festival fields take shape

French superstar Calandagan will miss the highly anticipated Juddmonte International at York after being withdrawn from the Group 1 contest, while Pretty Polly Stakes winner Estrange has also been taken out of the Legends Global Yorkshire Oaks.

The latest scratchings have reshaped two of the major races at the upcoming York Ebor Festival, with several leading contenders still set to line up across four days of top-class action on the Knavesmire.

Calandagan ruled out of Juddmonte International

Calandagan, who was officially rated the best horse in the world in 2025, was among the leading contenders for the Juddmonte International but was removed from the race before Tuesday’s noon scratching deadline.

The Francis Graffard-trained five-year-old had been third favourite for the York feature at a best-priced 8-1 following an impressive campaign last season.

After finishing runner-up in last month’s King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Calandagan’s team have opted against a return to York, where he was also absent 12 months ago before going on to land both the Champion Stakes and Japan Cup.

His achievements during 2025 saw him rise to the top of the official world rankings, establishing himself among the elite performers in international racing.

Despite Calandagan’s absence, the Juddmonte International remains set to deliver a mouthwatering clash, with current world number one Ombudsman standing his ground.

The John and Thady Gosden-trained five-year-old heads towards York following his dominant victory in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot, where he produced a career-best performance to underline his status as one of the world’s leading middle-distance horses.

He is expected to face unbeaten three-year-old Constitution River, who has risen rapidly through the ranks after victories in the French Derby and Coral-Eclipse on his last two starts.

The Juddmonte International has previously been recognised as one of the strongest races in global racing, earning the title of the world’s best race three times in the last 11 years.

Estrange withdrawn from Yorkshire Oaks

There was also a surprise withdrawal from the Legends Global Yorkshire Oaks, with ante-post favourite Estrange removed from the Group 1 contest.

The David O’Meara-trained mare had been a leading contender after securing her first top-level success in the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh in June.

However, connections have decided to focus on a later-season campaign, with Cheveley Park Stud managing director Chris Richardson explaining the decision.

“We’re concentrating on a strong autumn campaign,” said Richardson.

“It’s going to be a very tough race and we want to be focusing on the races that are coming along later in the year, such as the Prix Vermeille, the Louis Romanet, the Arc and Ascot and the Breeders’ Cup.

“She’s won her Group 1, we don’t have to go hunting for that any more. She ran a blinder on ground that was plenty quick enough in Ireland and, although she’s fine, we have an autumn campaign in mind.

“We’ll let all the other hotshots battle it out at York and hopefully we might be a fresher mare towards the end of the season.”

The Yorkshire Oaks still features a high-quality line-up, with King George winner Kalpana remaining among the acceptors.

The Andrew Balding-trained mare could face leading three-year-old fillies including Minnie Hauk and Diamond Necklace, while Francis Graffard has removed Sunly following her third-place finish in last month’s Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud.

York Ebor Festival Group 1 contests continue to take shape

While withdrawals have altered the complexion of the feature races, the York Ebor Festival continues to build towards one of the biggest meetings of the Flat racing season.

The Juddmonte International on August 19 remains headlined by Ombudsman and Constitution River, with a strong supporting cast including Diamond Necklace, Minnie Hauk, Almaqam and Zaydann.

The Yorkshire Oaks on August 20 continues to attract some of Europe’s leading fillies, while the Coolmore City Of Troy Nunthorpe Stakes and Sky Bet City Of York Stakes have also taken shape.

American raider Bacio currently heads the market for the Nunthorpe Stakes, while Charlie Appleby’s Notable Speech is among the leading names remaining in the City Of York Stakes.

With four Group 1 races, the £500,000 Sky Bet Ebor Handicap and some of the biggest names in racing set to descend on the Knavesmire, York’s Ebor Festival promises another memorable week of action.

Experience York Ebor Festival hospitality

The York Ebor Festival combines world-class racing with an exceptional hospitality experience, offering racegoers the chance to enjoy the action from some of the best facilities at York Racecourse.

Through Eventmasters, guests can enjoy premium hospitality packages featuring excellent dining, comfortable surroundings and prime views of the racing.

Whether you are attending the Juddmonte International, Yorkshire Oaks or Sky Bet Ebor Handicap day, York hospitality provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable day at one of Britain’s biggest racing festivals.

York Ebor Festival 2026 FAQs

When is the York Ebor Festival?

The York Ebor Festival takes place at York Racecourse across four days in August, featuring some of the biggest races of the Flat racing season, including the Juddmonte International, Yorkshire Oaks, Nunthorpe Stakes and Sky Bet Ebor Handicap.

Why has Calandagan been withdrawn from the Juddmonte International?

Calandagan was withdrawn from the Juddmonte International before the final scratching stage. The decision means the French-trained star will miss the York Group 1 contest after a successful 2025 campaign that saw him win the Champion Stakes and Japan Cup before being rated the world’s best horse.

Who are the favourites for the Juddmonte International?

Following Calandagan’s withdrawal, Ombudsman and Constitution River are among the leading contenders for the Juddmonte International. Ombudsman arrives after winning the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot, while Constitution River has won the French Derby and Coral-Eclipse on his last two starts.

Why was Estrange withdrawn from the Yorkshire Oaks?

Estrange was withdrawn from the Yorkshire Oaks as connections decided to target a strong autumn campaign instead. Cheveley Park Stud’s Chris Richardson confirmed that races including the Prix Vermeille, Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and Breeders’ Cup are among the potential targets later in the season.

What races take place during the York Ebor Festival?

The York Ebor Festival features four Group 1 races:

• Juddmonte International
• Legends Global Yorkshire Oaks
• Coolmore City Of Troy Nunthorpe Stakes
• Sky Bet City Of York Stakes

The meeting also includes the £500,000 Sky Bet Ebor Handicap, one of the most valuable handicaps in European racing.

How can I book York Ebor Festival hospitality?

Eventmasters offers premium York Ebor Festival hospitality packages, allowing guests to enjoy top-class racing alongside fine dining, excellent facilities and some of the best views at York Racecourse. Hospitality packages are available across the festival, including feature race days such as Juddmonte International Day and Ebor Saturday.