CHAMPION racehorse and successful sire Kalanisi died this week, aged 27.

Retired from covering duties due to fertility issues in 2020, Kalanisi stood at Boardsmill Stud in Trim, Co Meath, for 13 seasons and spent his retirement there.

William and John Flood issued a statement to say: “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 Irish Stallion Trail every year.”

Bred and owned by the Aga Khan, the son of Doyoun was initially trained by Luca Cumani and won all three of his starts at three, before being transferred to Michael Stoute.

At four, Kalanisi won the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot and finished a close second to Giant’s Causeway in both the Eclipse Stakes at Sandown and International Stakes at York. Later that season his finest moments came when defeating Montjeu in the Champion Stakes at Newmarket, followed by victory in the Breeders’ Cup Turf at Churchill Downs.

Initially retired to Gilltown Stud in 2002, Kalanisi moved to Boardsmill Stud in 2008. By that time his son Katchit had established himself as a leading young hurdler. His best jumpers have included Imperial Aura, Brain Power, Kalashnikov, Darver Star, Blazing Khal, Fayonagh and Barters Hill.

He is broodmare sire of last year’s Group 1 Prix Jean Romanet winner Aristia and this year’s Grade 2 Cheltenham Festival winner Impervious.

His final crop are now three-year-olds and there are just 25 of them. He is represented by three lots in both the Goffs Arkle Sale and Tattersalls Ireland Derby Sale next month.