Epsom Coronation Cup 2026 Preview

Epsom Coronation Cup 2026 Preview: Calandagan Leads Tight Group 1 Field at Epsom

BySporting Chronicle Horse Racing, Previews

Coronation Cup 2026 Preview: Calandagan Heads Strong Epsom Group 1 Field

The 2026 Coolmore Coronation Cup (Group 1) takes place at Epsom on 6 June, with six high-class horses set to contest one of the key middle-distance prizes of the season over 1m4f on good to soft ground.

With light rain expected and Epsom’s unique track demanding balance, tactical positioning, and stamina, this year’s renewal promises a compelling Group 1 showdown featuring leading contenders from Britain, Ireland, and France.

Calandagan heads the market after a string of high-level performances in France, England, Japan and the UAE while the powerful Aidan O’Brien team fields three runners Jan Brueghel, Lambourn and Illinois, giving the Ballydoyle stable a strong hand in a tactical race.

Coronation Cup 2026 Runners and Riders

  • Calandagan (5) – J: Mickael Barzalona | T: F-H Graffard | OR: 130
  • Jan Brueghel (5) – J: Ryan Moore | T: A. P. O’Brien | OR: 125
  • Convergent (4) – J: Clifford Lee | T: K. R. Burke | OR: 118
  • Lambourn (4) – J: Wayne Lordan | T: A. P. O’Brien | OR: 120
  • Bay City Roller (4) – J: Oisin Murphy | T: George Scott | OR: 118
  • Illinois (5) – J: Ronan Whelan | T: A. P. O’Brien | OR: 115

Key Contenders

Calandagan

A highly-rated French-trained colt with proven Group 1 experience. Calandagan brings stamina and class to Epsom, making him a strong contender in this prestigious test.

Jan Brueghel

Aidan P. O’Brien’s main hope in the race, partnered with top jockey Ryan Moore. Jan Brueghel has demonstrated strong middle-distance and longer-distance Group 1 credentials, arriving in excellent form.

Convergent

Finished a narrow second in last year’s Deutsches Derby (G1) to Hochkonig. Also won the John Porter Stakes at Newbury in April (G3). Will need to improve to challenge the top O’Brien contenders.

Lambourn

Last year’s Epsom Derby and Irish Derby winner, also placed fourth in the Doncaster St Leger. Most recently captured the Deepbridge Huxley Stakes (G2) at Chester. A major contender in this renewal.

Bay City Roller

Consistent and resilient, Bay City Roller was a Group 1 winner in Germany last year. Ran close to Lambourn at Chester in May. Softer conditions could enhance his chances.

Illinois

A reliable stayer with solid form, finishing second in the Ascot Gold Cup (G1) and Goodwood Cup (G1). Yet he has not won since May 2025 and may rank behind the leading O’Brien entries in this field.

Coronation Cup 2026 Outlook

The Coronation Cup looks a tightly matched renewal, with several proven Group performers and improving four-year-olds clashing at one of British racing’s most unique tracks.

With Epsom’s gradients and potential rain-softened ground, stamina and race positioning are expected to be decisive factors in determining the outcome of this Group 1 contest.

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