Kalpana Targets Historic Qatar Racing Champions Day Hat-Trick at Ascot

Andrew Balding’s star mare Kalpana will attempt to make British Champions Day history at Ascot on Saturday 17th October, as she bids to become the first horse to win three races at the prestigious end-of-season meeting.

The five-year-old has won the Group 1 Qatar Racing British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes in each of the last two seasons and returns to Ascot looking to complete an unprecedented hat-trick.

Owned by Juddmonte and ridden by Colin Keane, Kalpana arrives following another impressive campaign that has included victories in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the Yorkshire Oaks.

However, with just 13 days separating Saturday’s race from her appearance in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, her recovery from that demanding contest could prove an important factor.

Kalpana Seeking Third Consecutive Ascot Victory

Kalpana first won the British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes in October 2024, producing an impressive performance under William Buick to defeat Wingspan by two lengths.

She returned 12 months later under Colin Keane and delivered an equally convincing display, pulling clear of her rivals to finish two and a half lengths ahead of Estrange, with Quisisana taking third.

Those victories established Kalpana as one of the standout performers at British Champions Day, which was first held in 2011.

Her achievements this season have strengthened her reputation further. In July, she captured the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot before adding another Group 1 success in August’s Yorkshire Oaks at York.

The latter victory came after a determined finish, with Kalpana holding off her challengers to claim a narrow success and continue a remarkable season for Balding’s Kingsclere stable.

Arc Defeat Raises Questions Ahead of Saturday

Kalpana’s most recent appearance came in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at ParisLongchamp on Sunday 4th October, where she finished fifth behind Daryz.

Although unable to reproduce her best form in France, there are encouraging similarities with her preparations for last year’s Champions Day victory.

In 2025, Kalpana finished seventh in the Arc before returning to Ascot just 13 days later and producing one of her most impressive performances of the season.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s race, jockey Colin Keane expressed confidence in her ability to bounce back.

“It’s the same turnaround and you know she’s done it before,” Keane said.

Balding has also acknowledged the challenges associated with bringing Kalpana back so quickly, particularly following a long campaign that has already included several demanding Group 1 contests.

Strong Opposition Awaits in Fillies & Mares Stakes

Kalpana is the leading contender for Saturday’s Group 1 contest, although the declared field includes several accomplished rivals capable of providing a significant challenge.

Among them is Irish Oaks winner Johanna Walsh, trained by Joseph O’Brien, while William Haggas is represented by Lilt.

Aidan O’Brien’s Minnie Hauk also features among the opposition, alongside Sparan Nua, who finished narrowly behind Kalpana in the Yorkshire Oaks earlier this season.

See The Fire and Danielle are further established performers in the field, ensuring Kalpana faces a competitive challenge as she attempts to extend her winning sequence at the meeting.

The British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes is scheduled for 2:40pm on Saturday, with 13 runners declared for the mile-and-a-half contest.

Victory Could Prove Crucial in Trainers’ Title Battle

Beyond the prospect of making history, Kalpana’s performance could have significant implications for the British Flat trainers’ title.

Andrew Balding and Aidan O’Brien are involved in a closely contested battle for the honour, with Balding attempting to secure his first trainers’ title following an outstanding campaign.

Kalpana has played an important role in that success, alongside fellow Group 1 winners Blue Bolt and Item.

With more than £4 million in prize money available across British Champions Day, Saturday’s results could have a considerable influence on the final standings.

A third consecutive victory for Kalpana would not only establish a new Champions Day record but also provide Balding with another valuable success in his pursuit of the title.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Kalpana racing at Ascot?

Kalpana is scheduled to race in the Qatar Racing British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes at 2:40pm on Saturday 17th October 2026.

How many times has Kalpana won at British Champions Day?

Kalpana has won the British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes twice, claiming consecutive victories in 2024 and 2025. She is attempting to become the first horse to record three victories at British Champions Day.

Who trains Kalpana?

Kalpana is trained by Andrew Balding at Kingsclere in Hampshire and is owned by Juddmonte.

Who is riding Kalpana at British Champions Day 2026?

Colin Keane is booked to ride Kalpana, having partnered her to victory in the race in 2025.