The 2026 Coolmore Coronation Cup is set to be a sensational renewal featuring Calandagan, Jan Brueghel and Lambourn.
Calandagan is unbeaten in five Group 1’s since being beaten in the race by Jan Brueghel last season. The Gleneagles gelding was crowned the world’s best racehorse in January, and returned in March with a win in the Sheema Classic.
Jan Brueghel was beaten by Calandagan next time out, but returned after 285 days to land the Ormonde Stakes. Lambourn also made a winning reappearance at Chester, after winning the Epsom and Irish Derby last season.
The trio share nine Group 1’s between them, adding to what looks set to be a scintillating Coronation Cup. Speaking to Sporting Life, Aidan O’Brien said: “I think it is an unbelievable race. This year, it looks like it’s going to be very exciting. If Calandagan comes again, and hopefully he will, we will have the two runners.
“The Coolmore Coronation Cup is right at the top of those mile-and-a-half races – it is that important. It takes place around Epsom and it’s a serious initiative to raise the profile of the race.”
Coolmore have won the Epsom contest a record 10 times, beginning with Yeats in 2005. Interestingly, Yeats, along with Scorpion, Soldier Of Fortune and Fame and Glory, have all gone on to be successful National Hunt stallions after winning the race for Coolmore.
St Nicholas Abbey, the only three time winner of the race, failed to make a stallion after suffering a bout of colic. Highland Reel didn’t quite reach the stallion heights in Europe, now standing in Japan. Luxembourg, the 2024 winner, has also been retired as a National Hunt stallion.
With the jumping sphere predominantly the stallion destination of a Coronation Cup, it remains to be seen whether Derby winner Lambourn will follow suit.
Coolmore to sponsor the Coronation Cup for the first time
Coolmore have dominated the race of late, and will sponsor this year’s renewal. It only appears natural that Galileo features heavily in the progeny of the market leaders. Coolmore’s David O’Loughlin said: “The Coronation Cup has a rich tradition, having been won by horses like Mill Reef, Yeats and St Nicholas Abbey. The thoroughbred breed is built on high-quality middle-distance bloodlines. So for the Magnier, Tabor and Smith families, supporting the race is a natural fit.
“This year’s renewal looks to be a fantastic contest. Three of the leading contenders are by Galileo and two of his sire sons, Gleneagles and Australia. Going head-to-head in a £1 million race is exactly what racing fans want to see. Moving the race to Saturday makes for an unbelievable afternoon at Epsom. We’re delighted to partner with The Jockey Club for it.”