Calandagan and Jan Brueghel are set to meet again in the Group 1 Coolmore Coronation Cup over 2,420 meters at Epsom on June 6, 2024, with a £1 million prize on the line [1, 2]. Last year, Jan Brueghel narrowly beat Calandagan by half a length in the same race, making their rematch highly anticipated [1, 2].
Since that defeat, Calandagan has claimed five consecutive Group 1 victories, including major races like the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, the Qipco British Champion Stakes, the Japan Cup, and the Dubai Sheema Classic [1, 2]. Trainer Francis-Henri Graffard praised Calandagan's condition ahead of the Coronation Cup, saying, "He is in very good shape, and I could not be happier with him. Calandagan has been trained for Epsom and hopefully the ground will not get too soft. He looks well and is looking like he wants to go back to work. He’s ready and he wants to go back to the races, and everything has gone very smoothly with him" [2].
Jan Brueghel, trained by Aidan O'Brien, returned to form this season with a win in the Group 3 Ormonde Stakes at Chester on May 7, 2024, and also captured the 2024 Group 1 St Leger, which runs over 2,900 meters [1, 2]. He will be among three Coolmore-owned horses in the race, along with Lambourn and Illinois [1, 2].
Lambourn, wearing cheekpieces for the first time, recently secured victory in the Group 2 Huxley Stakes over 2,100 meters at Chester on May 8, 2024, beating Bay City Roller by a neck [1, 2]. Also in the field is Convergent, trained by Karl Burke, who steps up to Group 1 for the first time after strong performances at Group 3 level and against Group 1 rivals [1, 2].
The 2024 Coronation Cup marks the first time the race is run under Coolmore sponsorship [1, 2]. Six runners have been declared for the event, confirming a competitive field [1, 2]. The race distance remains 2,420 meters. The Coronation Cup will run on June 6 at Epsom, with connections of all runners targeting top-level success on the course known for testing stamina and speed [1, 2].