Calandagan and Ombudsman back for more in Champion Stakes

Last year's Qatar Racing Champion Stakes first and second Calandagan and Ombudsman are among 11 confirmations for the showpiece event at Ascot on Saturday. Francis-Henri Graffard's Calandagan was on a real roll when striking 12 months ago, with his victory being part of a five-race winning streak at Group One level. He was beaten by Kalpana when defending his King George crown in July, but has enjoyed a late summer break and will return as a leading contender under Christophe Soumillon, deputising for regular rider Mickael Barzalona, who is serving a whip suspension.