Kalanisi Flash

His only win came at Downpatrick in May 2024, which now sits two years in the rear-view mirror. That's a long drought by any measure, and for a horse of his age, the window for adding to that tally isn't infinite. What keeps him interesting is his recent form — his last six races show a pattern of 2nd, 4th, 1st, 3rd, and two blanks, suggesting he had a purple patch around that Downpatrick win before the results went quiet again. He's clearly capable of hitting the frame; converting that into a victory is the puzzle his trainer needs to solve.

That trainer is John C McConnell, operating out of Stamullen in County Meath, and the yard is in decent nick right now — 42 winners on the board this season, which is a solid, productive operation. McConnell spotted early on that Kalanisi Flash was a horse who needed time and patience, describing him years ago as a big animal who took a while to settle into the yard's routine. The expectation back then was that he'd be better once faced with an obstacle rather than running on the flat, and that he'd suit a trip of around two to two and a half miles — a horse built for jumping, in other words, rather than raw speed.

At nine, Kalanisi Flash is a seasoned, experienced competitor who knows his job. He's not a horse who embarrasses himself — seven places from twelve races proves that. He just needs one more day when everything clicks, the pace suits, and he gets his nose in front. Whether that day comes is the question, but with an active yard behind him and a horse still apparently in good enough form to be racing, it hasn't been ruled out yet.