Australia on the radar for World’s Best

Calandagan, front, ridden by jockey Mickael Barzalona, heads to the finish line to win the $6 million Dubai Sheema Classic horse race over 2410m (12.05 furlongs) at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, Saturday, March 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

The world’s greatest racehorse, Calandagan, could be travelling to Australia to contest the $6 million Cox Plate at Flemington.

In 2025, Calandagan was crowd the highest-rated horse in the world, with a rating of 130. Only elite thoroughbreds like Winx and Black Caviar have achieved a rating of this magnitude.

The French galloper kicked off his 2026 campaign last week in the Dubai Sheema Classic, showcasing his electric acceleration by defeating a world-class field. Marking his fifth consecutive Group 1 win.

In a post-race interview, trainer Francis Graffard discussed the Champion Horse’s aspirations for 2026 and hinted Australia could be on the cards.

“Australian people would love to see him,” Graffard said.

“It (Cox Plate) could be possible as this year it is at Flemington, so it’s a big galloping track, so it could be a possibility.

“He’s important for the sport, so we won’t discount travelling again.”

Jockey Mickael Barzalona, aboard Calandagan, reacts after winning the $6 million Dubai Sheema Classic horse race over 2410m (12.05 furlongs) at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, Saturday, March 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

With the Cox Plate moved from it’s traditional home at Moonee Valley to Flemington, due to Moonee Valley’s redevelopment, it could attract more world-class horses make the trip to Australia for the 2000-metre contest.

Moonee Valley is a tight track that has a short straight consisting of 173 metres, deterring many European horses from competing in it. 

European thoroughbreds are bred for the expansive, sweeping tracks of Ascot, Chantilly, and Longchamp. Flemington is more suited to the European thoroughbreds, with its broad turns and 450-metre long straight. 

If Calandagan makes the trek, he wouldn't just be another international visitor, he would be the most accomplished thoroughbred to ever set foot on an Australian racetrack. 

While we have seen greats like State Of Rest and Adelaide conquer the Cox Plate, none arrived with a global ranking as high as 130. If Graffard and the Aga Khan team pull the trigger, the 2026 Cox Plate won’t just be a race—it will be a global sporting event.