Kalpana's commanding victory in Saturday's Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes at Ascot marked a historic achievement, as she became only the third horse to successfully defend the title since the race gained Group 1 status. The four-year-old filly's two-and-a-half length triumph under Colin Keane demonstrated the class that flows through her impeccable pedigree, one steeped in the golden threads of Juddmonte's breeding program.

 The Sire: Study of Man

Kalpana represents the first crop of the promising young sire Study of Man, making her Group 1 success particularly significant for the stallion's burgeoning reputation. A son of Deep Impact out of the Monsun mare Laurea, Study of Man was himself a high-class performer for Freddy Head, capturing the 2018 Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby) at Chantilly.

Study of Man stands at Lanwades Stud in Newmarket, and Kalpana's achievements provide compelling validation of his ability to get top-class middle-distance performers. The Deep Impact line, through Study of Man, brings Japanese brilliance to European bloodstock, combining stamina, class, and the versatility that has made his progeny so successful across multiple racing jurisdictions.

The Dam Line: Zero Gravity and Beyond

Kalpana is out of Zero Gravity, a Listed Prix Petite Etoile winner by the incomparable Dansili. This is where the pedigree truly sparkles with Juddmonte's signature quality. Zero Gravity is a full sister to Zambezi Sun, winner of the Group 1 Grand Prix de Paris and now standing as a sire. This sibling combination of Group 1 winners from the same mating is every breeder's dream.

The family's depth becomes even more apparent when examining Zero Gravity's broader connections. She is a half-sister to:
- **Kalabar** (Kahyasi): Group 2 Prix Guillaume d'Ornano winner
- **World Heritage** (Kahyasi): Multiple Group-placed, runner-up in Group 2 Prix Eugene Adam

Zero Gravity is also closely related to Shared Account, who has proven herself as an exceptional broodmare. Shared Account has produced four stakes performers, including:
- **Better Together** (Oasis Dream): Dual Group 3 winner
- **Pocket Square** (Night Of Thunder): Winner of the Group 3 Prix des Reservoirs and Grade III Athenia Stakes

The Granddam: Imbabala

Zero Gravity's dam, Imbabala, was by the Aga Khan's brilliant Zafonic, a champion two-year-old who became an influential sire. Imbabala represents a critical link in this female family, connecting modern champions to deeper classical roots.

Third Dam: Interval

The third dam, Interval, was a Group 2 Prix Maurice de Gheest winner (when the race was run at that level) and was also placed in the 1000 Guineas. By the influential Habitat, Interval established a female line that has consistently produced high-class performers across multiple generations.

This family traces further back to Lake Coniston's daughter Relente, establishing connections to Continental, winner of both the July Cup and Prix de l'Abbaye.

The Dansili Influence

The presence of Dansili as Kalpana's broodmare sire cannot be overstated. One of the most influential stallions of the modern era, Dansili (by Danehill out of the Kahyasi mare Hasili) was himself a top-class miler, Group 1-placed on six occasions including the French 2000 Guineas, Sussex Stakes, and Prix du Moulin. As a sire and broodmare sire, he has been simply extraordinary, appearing in the pedigrees of countless champions.

Dansili brought together two of the most potent bloodlines in modern breeding: the Danzig line through Danehill, and the Kahyasi branch of Aga Khan breeding through Hasili. This combination has proven remarkably successful in producing both speed and stamina, precisely the qualities Kalpana has demonstrated.

A Family in Form

Zero Gravity has produced four individual winners from her first eight foals, with Kalpana easily her flagship performer. The mare also has:
- An unraced two-year-old filly by Too Darn Hot named Seet
- A yearling filly by Too Darn Hot who sold to Shadwell for 425,000 guineas at Book 2 in 2024

Zero Gravity herself was offered at the Tattersalls December Mare Sale, purchased by Blandford Bloodstock for 35,000 guineas three years ago—a purchase that has proven extraordinarily astute given Kalpana's subsequent achievements. The mare was recently consigned by Whatton Manor Stud carrying a covering to Chaldean, the Group 1-winning son of Frankel.

The Juddmonte Formula

Kalpana exemplifies the Juddmonte breeding philosophy: combining proven sire power with deep, classy female families, allowing time for development, and racing homebreds to maximize their potential. The decision to keep Kalpana in training as a four-year-old proved inspired, as she has bounced back from a disappointing Arc run to reclaim her crown at Ascot.

Trainer Andrew Balding noted after the race that Kalpana "has been very consistent all year," with her only poor performance coming in the Arc just two weeks prior. The quick turnaround and her dominant display demonstrate the physical and mental toughness bred into this family.

Looking Ahead

With Kalpana likely to be retired to the breeding shed, her success has elevated Study of Man's profile considerably and reinforced Zero Gravity's credentials as a top-class producer. More broadly, she represents another triumph for the Juddmonte program, which continues to breed champions through careful attention to pedigree, individual merit, and the patient development of young horses.

As Kalpana's career record stands at six wins from fourteen starts with five seconds and two thirds, she has established herself as one of the premier fillies of her generation. Her retirement to stud will offer Juddmonte an exciting opportunity to continue this distinguished female line, with her impeccable pedigree and race record making her an exceptionally valuable addition to their broodmare band.

In an era where breeding decisions are increasingly data-driven and commercial, Kalpana serves as a reminder that classic bloodlines, properly managed and given time to mature, still produce champions. From Interval through Imbabala to Zero Gravity to Kalpana, this is a female family that has consistently delivered excellence across five generations—and as a broodmare, Kalpana is poised to carry that legacy forward into the next generation.