Kalsman

The key to Kalsman is the ground. On normal conditions — not too wet, not too dry — it transforms into a different animal entirely, winning 2 of its 10 races in those circumstances. That's a 20% win rate, meaning it wins roughly 1 in every 5 races when the track is playing fair. For context, that's the kind of number that would make a trainer sit up and take notice. The lesson is simple: if the ground is right, Kalsman is worth watching.

Its first career win came at Downpatrick in June 2024, and it added a second at Down Royal in April 2026 — just two months ago — which tells you this horse is not fading into retirement just yet. Racing as recently as yesterday, Kalsman is clearly still being kept busy, and the recent form shows some life: a win and a third place in its last six runs alongside a couple of quieter efforts. That's the profile of a horse that can still find the line when everything clicks.

One curiosity worth flagging is the partnership with jockey Thomas Reilly. The pair have raced together 8 times without a win between them — 0 from 8 is a combination that hasn't yet found its groove. That's not necessarily anyone's fault; racing partnerships can take time, or sometimes they simply don't gel. But it's a number that stands out given Kalsman clearly has the ability to win when conditions suit.

At eight years old, with a win as recently as two months ago and a race just yesterday, Kalsman is a reminder that not every horse peaks early. Some take the long road — and occasionally, on the right day with the right ground underfoot, they make it all worthwhile.