2000 Breeders' Cup Turf, Eclipse winner Kalanisi dies at 27
Kalanisi, winner of the 2000 Breeders' Cup Turf at Churchill Downs, has died at the age of 27.
Trained by Sir Michael Stoute, his biggest victories on the track were in the Champion Stakes (G1) at Newmarket, where he defeated Montjeu in a thrilling finish and in the Breeders' Cup Turf. He was ridden by Johnny Murtagh on both occasions.
For many though, his two most memorable races were in defeat when he battled with Giant’s Causeway in the Eclipse Stakes (G1) at Sandown and the International (G1) at York, finishing second in both. Kalanisi earned the Eclipse Award for champion grass horse of 2000 as well as the Cartier award for European champion older horse.
Kalanisi began standing at Boardsmill since 2008 having been acquired by the Flood family from his breeder the Aga Khan. He originally stood at his breeders’ Giltown Stud having retired there in 2002. He has been pensioned from stud duties at Boardsmill since 2020 due to fertility issues.
Kalanisi sired a number of stakes winners on the flat from his early crops conceived at Giltown and a Royal Ascot winner in the shape of Missoula but it was over jumps where his stock really flourished. Triumph Hurdle (G1) and Champion Hurdle (G1) winner Katchit came from his first crop.
Other Grade 1 winners included Kalashnikov, Barters Hill, the ill-fated mare Fayonagh and Barizan. He enjoyed other Cheltenham Festival success with chasers Imperial Aura and The Conditional. Other high class performers included Brain Power, Darver Star and Blazing Khal.
More recently, daughters of Kalanisi have been flying the flag for him with great success as broodmares. Last year’s Prix Jean Romanet (G1) winner Aristia was a notable top level success for him, whilst over jumps this year’s winner of the Mares' Chase (G2) at the Cheltenham Festival, Impervious, is out one of his daughters as well.
Speaking Thursday, William and John Flood said, "We are sad to announce the passing of our stalwart sire Kalanisi, who died suddenly in his paddock this week. He had been enjoying his well earned retirement in his paddock here for the past few years. Kalanisi was a real favourite with everyone in the yard and with visitors too. He was a huge attraction with both racing fans and breeders during the ITM stallion trail every year."