Another Grade 2 winner for Kalanisi

Kalanisi sired yet another National Hunt Graded winner on 21 February 2010, when Alaivan romped home to an impressive 17 length victory in the Grade 2 Winning Fair Juvenile Hurdle at Fairyhouse.

Incidentally, it was the 2nd consecutive year that this race was won by a son of Kalanisi following Kyrie Eleison’s victory in 2009. Alaivan is now the 4th Grade 2 National Hunt winner for his sire who is one of the leading National Hunt stakes sires at stud.

Alaivan, trained by Edward O’Grady, posted an impressive hurdles debut win in December at Gowran Park but subsequently was defeated at Leopardstown at Christmas by the impressive Carlito Brigante. Following this victory, some bookmaking firms have made him ante post favourite for the JCB Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham- a race that was won in the past by Katchit, another son of Kalanisi.

Alaivan was bred by His Highness Aga Khan, who also raced him on the flat. From just four starts on the level, Alaivan recorded two victories and was also just touched off in the Group 3 Gallinule Stakes at The Curragh last May. Following his victory in the Listed Lenebane Stakes at Roscommon in July, he was purchased by Thomas Barr for a significant sum.

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