Champions Day victor Kalpana back for more next season

Dual Champions Day heroine Kalpana will stay in training next season as a five-year-old, her trainer Andrew Balding has confirmed.

Having rounded off 2024 by winning the Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes, the Juddmonte-owned filly went in pursuit of further top-level success this season and filled the runner-up spot in the Pretty Polly Stakes and the King George before finding Giavellotto too strong in the September Stakes at Kempton.

She could only finish seventh in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, but roared back to her best to successfully defend her title at Ascot last month and connections are hoping she can secure more Group One glory next term.

Speaking at Del Mar ahead of saddling See The Fire, Jonquil and Pacific Mission at the Breeders’ Cup this weekend, Balding said: “Kalpana is set to remain in training which will be confirmed when (Barry Mahon, Juddmonte racing manager) gets here.

“She will target similar races to those she contested this season, and See The Fire will also be racing again (next year).”