Alisier D'Irlande and Crystal Lad land double for their sire

Kapgarde was represented by an across-the-card double on Sunday when his sons Alisier D’Irlande and Crystal Lad won contests at Naas and Fontwell respectively.

It was the Gary Moore-trained Crystal Lad who got the ball rolling when cruising to a seven length victory under Josh Moore in a 2m3f novices’ hurdle at Fontwell.

Bred by Antoine-Audoin Maggiar and others, Crystal Lad is the second foal out of the winning Vertical Speed mare Qrystale Mag and is from a family that has plenty of success over jumps.

Qrystale Mag is a half-sister to the winners Sylver Dargent, Ytalsa Royale, Royal Rosa, Royal Paradise and Grade 1-winning hurdler Royale Athenia.

Crystal Lad was picked up his trainer for £30,000 at last year’s Tattersalls Ireland Cheltenham Premier National Hunt Sale.

Fifty minutes later Alisier D’Irlande looked back to his best when winning the Grade 3 We Show All Live Racing Chase at Naas by an equally impressive ten lengths.

The Henry de Bromhead-trained seven-year-old’s last victory came back at Leopardstown in a 2m1f chase last year.

He was bred by Marie Drion out of the Chamberlin mare Isati’S and is a half-brother to six winners including Renard d’Irlande, O’Hana and Quaquo de Flotte. He is from the family of Alan King’s leading three-time Grade 1 winner My Way De Solzen and was bought by his owner Roger Brookhouse for £300,000 at the Brightwells Cheltenham April Sale in 2014.

Kapgarde, an 18-year-old son of Garde Royale, was a leading French jumper for Guillaume Macaire winning three races including the Grade 3 Prix Jacques d’Indy hurdle at Auteuil.

Since retiring to stud he is responsible for Philip Hobbs’ dual Graded winner Garde La Victoire, prolific Grade 1-winning chaser Milord Thomas, Grade 2 scorer Clan Des Obeaux and Grade 3 winner Edgardo Sol.

He is currently standing the 2017 breeding season at Haras de la Hetraie at a fee of €8,500.