Off the back of a huge start to his career in the Northern Hemisphere, Iffraaj's Southern Hemisphere book for 2010 has been closed.

"We actually stopped taking bookings to Iffraaj at the beginning of last week and had to create a waiting list until we contacted everyone with an outstanding service contract," said Shannon Taylor, Marketing and Operations Manager at Haunui Farm.  "Needless to say most of his contracts are now back in and we have a few disappointed people who have missed out for the season," she said.  "It is certainly a nice position to be in!"

Iffraaj has made a flying start to his career with his first crop of two-year-olds in the Northern Hemisphere.  With 27 individual winners to date, Iffraaj sits atop Europe's First Season Sires tables by number of winners, number of wins and stakes earned.  He is Europe's leading 2YO Sire by number of winners and is currently second by stakes earned.

The flow of winners continues for Iffraaj (GB) (Zafonic) with his Northern Hemisphere tally climbing to 27 earlier this week through the deeds of Man Of The Match (Ire).

Setting a handy pace, Man Of The Match never looked in doubt when winning over 7f at Ayr at just his second start.

The win of unbeaten colt Wootton Bassett (Ire) (Iffraaj) in last week's DBS Premier Yearling Stakes saw Iffraaj surge to the lead on all counts of Europe's First Season Sire battle - by number of winners, number of wins and, stakes earned.  He has three stakes performers to date in the form of Free Art, King David and Zacynthus and could well add to this trio this weekend when Fred Archer (Ire) (Iffraaj) lines up in the Group Three Tower Stakes at The Curragh on Sunday.

Earlier this week, Haunui Farm announced that Iffraaj's book for 2010 was closed.  "The response to the horse has been overwhelming which is certainly a very nice position to be in," says Mark Chitty, General Manager of Haunui Farm.  "He is certainly a very exciting prospect and it will be nice to get him underway in the breeding barn next week," said Mark, referring to the 1st of September starting date for the Southern Hemisphere season.

Haunui Farm stallion Iffraaj (GB) (Zafonic) took another step toward stardom in England overnight with the impressive win of Wootton Bassett (Ire) (Iffraaj) in the DBS Premier Yearling Sale Stakes over 6f at York.

From the commencement of two-year-old racing in the Northern Hemisphere this season, Iffraaj hasn’t strayed far from the headlines, especially over the last two months where his tally of individual winners has climbed to 25 seeing him head not only the European First Season Sires table by number of winners, but also the General 2YO Sires table – no mean feat for a stallion who himself broke his maiden as a two-year-old in September.

Unbeaten in two starts leading into the DBS race, Wootton Bassett lined up as race favourite for trainer Richard Fahey and jockey Paul Hanagan and didn’t disappoint with a racing display not too dissimilar to that of his sire.  Settling handy to the lead, Wootton Bassett was always travelling comfortably and hit the lead with just over three furlongs to run.  Kieran Fallon and his mount Galtymore Lad (GB) (Indesatchel) tried to make a race of it with these two horses surging well clear of the rest of the field however over the final furlong, Wootton Bassett took the lead and won going away with almost two lengths to spare at the line.  Galtymore Lad was second with fellow Haunui Farm stallion Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) also finishing in the money with third placed Chiswick Bey (Ire) (Elusive City).

With this victory on the board, Iffraaj has also hit the lead for First Season Sire honours by stakes, the young stallion now heading the First Season Sire ranks by number of winners, number of wins and, stakes.  “It is really quite unbelievable,” said Mark Chitty of Haunui Farm.  “To have 25 winners before he even won a race himself is quite remarkable and now to win a race like this is the icing on the cake,” said Mark.  “Richard Fahey who trains Wootton Bassett commented after the race that he felt the horse could have won the Gimcrack but they chose this race because of the stakes on offer,” he said.  “He will be given a chance at Group One level later in the season but you can see from the way he has won all of his races, this horse is the real deal,” said Mark.

Iffraaj is set to commence his third season at Haunui when the breeding season begins on the 1^st of September and with a limited book of 120 mares, he will certainly serve his full quota in 2010. 

Iffraaj (GB) (Zafonic) continues to make headlines in the Northern Hemisphere, this time setting a record for number of winners at this stage in the season for a First Season Sire.

With a total of 25 indivudual winners to date, Iffraaj heads a list which includes Europe's First Season and General 2YO Sires Tables by number of winners - no other sire has sired as many winners at this point in time in their first season.

Iffraaj will be represented by two runners in the Doncaster Premier Yearling Sales Stakes at York overnight in the form of the Barry Hills-trained Capaill Liath (Ire) and two-time winner Wootton Basset (Ire) who will line up for trainer Richard Fahey and is among the favoured runners for the 6f contest.

Fellow Haunui Farm stallion Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) will also be represented in the race with colt Chiswick Bey (Ire) also lining up for the Richard Fahey stable.

"It is great to see both stallions represented in the race," said Mark Chitty, General Manager of Haunui Farm.  "A result in this would be the icing on the cake for Iffraaj and for Elusive City, it would be a continuation of his success," he said.

Should Iffraaj get the dream result at York overnight, he could sky rocket to the lead on the First Season Sires Table by stakes as well - watch this space ...

The winners keep coming at a great rate of knots for Haunui Farm stallion Iffraaj (GB) (Zafonic) with five winners in the last week testament to the flying start he has made to his Northern Hemisphere career.

Not only leading his peers on the First Season Sires Table of Europe by number of wins with 24, Iffraaj is also heading his elder counterparts as the leading 2YO sire of Europe by both number of winners and, number of wins.

Iffraaj's two most recent additions to his European tally are Mr Perceptive (Ire), a winner at Sandown whilst Fred Archer (Ire) was an impressive winner on debut at Leopardstown racing in the colours of Sheikh Mohammed.

With a winners to runners ratio approaching a very healthy 50%, Iffraaj is also closing in on Holy Roman Emperor (Ire) (Danehill) who currently leads the First Season Sires by stakes earned.  Iffraaj's five winners this week will certainly see that gap narrowed significantly with a little over 20,000 pound seperating the two at the beginning of this week.

"Five winners in the space of a week is exciting stuff but when four of them are maiden winners, that is even better," said Mark Chitty, General Manager of Haunui Farm.  "The horse is making a significant impact in the Northern Hemisphere, everyone is talking about him and his bookings here are flying," he said.

With limited bookings still available to Iffraaj for the 2010 breeding season, if you wish to send a mare, please contact Mark Chitty - 021 663 995, Shannon Taylor - 0212 855 513 or, Justine Sclater - 0276 464 761.

Haunui Farm stallion Iffraaj (GB) (Zafonic) continues to build on his lead for the First Season Sire's title with another two new winners in the past two days with his tally climbing to 22. 

Iffraaj's steady flow of winners has seen him stretch his lead over Holy Roman Emperor (Ire) (Danehill) by number of winners and it also sees him honing in on Holy Roman Emperor in stakes earnings as well.

Espirita (Ire) (Iffraaj) and Askaud (Ire) (Iffraaj) are the two latest victors to be added to Ifraaj's list, Espirita winning at Deauville on Monday after finishing second on debut and, Askaud winning at Thirsk overnight confirming the promise of her debut over a month ago where she finished a close second to Toolain (Ire) (Diktat) who has since gone on to win at stakes level.

The breeding season is just around the corner with the 1st of September looming.  As yet, we are still awaiting the arrival of our first Iffraaj foal of the season however with two foals on the ground already and a number of mares in the foaling paddock, the first Iffraaj foal of the season won't be too far away.

With his 2010 book quickly closing in on full, anyone wishing to send a mare to Iffraaj this season should be in touch with one of the Haunui team as soon as possible.  Mark - 021 663 995, Shannon - 0212 855 513 or, Justine - 0276 464 761.

Two-year-old filly Mushakaraat (Ire) (Iffraaj) is set to contest the Group Three Sweet Solera Stakes at Newmarket this weekend and in doing so, the filly is bidding to become the first stakes winner for her sire Iffraaj (GB) (Zafonic) who has made a storming start to his stud career.

A winner on debut, Mushakaraat will race in the colours of Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum for trainer Ed Dunlop and will be ridden by one of England's best in Richard Hills.

Northern Hemisphere racing over the next week sees Iffraaj with a myriad of runners in both England and Ireland where he looks set to add to his tally of twenty individual winners for the season to date.

The arrival of Iffraaj (GB) (Zafonic) at Haunui Farm yesterday saw the exciting young stallion reach a significant milestone in the Northern Hemisphere with his two-year-old tally hitting twenty individual winners over the weekend.

The Richard Hannon-trained filly Kalahaag (Ire) (Iffraaj) and the Kevin Prendergast-trained When Not Iff (Ire) (Iffraaj) are the two most recent winners for their sire, taking his filly winners tally to nine, whilst his colt tally remains at eleven.

Iffraaj currently heads Europe’s First Season Sires Table by number of winners and also heads the General Two-Year-Old Sires Table.  This all before the 1^st of August – before he himself set foot on a racetrack – and before he won a two-year-old race himself.

“The icing on the cake would be a black type winner and there is plenty of time left in the season for that,” said Shannon Taylor, Marketing & Operations Manager at Haunui. 

From the same family as Cape Cross (GB) (Green Desert) who also took out First Season Sire honours in 2003, Iffraaj is set to serve a full book of mares at Haunui Farm in 2010 with only limited spaces available for the upcoming season.  “All of our stallions are limited to books of 120 mares and with the way we are travelling at the moment, I’m confident Iffraaj’s book will be full come the start of the season,” says Shannon.  “We have had our first parade for clients at the farm this morning and the stallions look great and all are ready for a big season ahead,” she said.

To book a mare to any of the Haunui stallions, please contact Mark – 021 663 995, Shannon – 0212 855 513 or, Justine – 0276 464 761.

Haunui Farm stallion Iffraaj (GB) (Zafonic) is edging ever closer to twenty individual winners with the victory of two-year-old filly Kalahaag (Ire) (Iffraaj) at Goodwood overnight.

Lining up for the in-form Richard Hannon stable, the chestnut filly started third favourite at the feature meeting after running on strongly on debut at Newbury two weeks prior. 

With a solid tempo set by the race leader, jockey Richard Hughes settled Kalahaag in just off the fence in mid-field however in the run home, it appeared there would be no luck in the running for the pair with a wall of horses in front of them.  At the two furlong mark, race leader and eventual third placegetter Fenella Fudge (GB) (Rock Hard Ten) drifted off the rails allowing a free passage to the line for Kalahaag and after some strong riding early, the filly went to the line over the last furlong under hands and heels to win by a length.

Iffraaj is set to arrive at Haunui Farm on Sunday 1st August.  He will be available for inspection at the farm from Monday 2nd August.  If you would like to view the Haunui Stallions at any stage, please contact Shannon - 0212 855 513.

Haunui Farm stallion Iffraaj (GB) (Zafonic) was selected for stud duties in New Zealand as he ticked all of the boxes - pedigree, race performance and conformation.

An outstanding individual, Iffraaj easily fitted the conformation criteria for Haunui and our stallion partners.  His three Group Two-wins, including a track record at York for 7f, and second placing in the Group One July Cup by the narrowest of margins, easily ensured the box for race performance received the big tick.  Arguably one of the most critical criteria in stallion selection is pedigree and Iffraaj lacks nothing in this department.

Out of two-time winner Pastorale (GB) (Nureyev), Iffraaj's Grand-dam Park Appeal (GB) (Ahonoora) was Champion two-year-old of her season.  As a broodmare her success is undoubtable as the dam of four stakes winners and two stakes performers.  However, Park Appeal's greatest legacy as a broodmare could well be through the successful stallions that she and her daughters have produced, the most notable to date being Cape Cross (Ire) (Green Desert).

The sire of 8 Group One winners, Cape Cross has left Champions in both hemispheres in Sea The Stars (Ire) Ouija Board (Ire) and Seachange (NZ). His most recent Group One winner - Behkabad - looks set to continue Cape Cross' success in 2010 and beyond.

The next successful stallion in the pedigree is Diktat (GB) (Warning).  The Champion Sprinter of his year, like Iffraaj he too is out of a daughter of Park Appeal, and to date has sired 18 individual stakes winners. 

Now to Iffraaj, who has already made an impact in the Northern Hemisphere with his first crop.  With 18 individual winners to date, Iffraaj not only heads Europe's First Season Sires Table, he is Europe's Leading Sire of two-year-olds already siring more winners at this time of the year than Cape Cross himself who claimed First Season Sire honours for Darley in 2003.

"One of the reasons we selected Iffraaj as a stallion prospect for New Zealand was because of the success of Cape Cross in the Southern Hemisphere," said Mark Chitty, General Manager of Haunui Farm.  "Being out of a half sister to Cape Cross meant Iffraaj represented a pedigree that has already been successful here and as a result, he was well supported by breeders," he said.  "You can't argue the amazing start he has made in the Northern Hemisphere and I can quite easily say he is the most exciting young stallion we have standing at stud in New Zealand," said Mark.

With his book almost full, any breeders with Iffraaj on their radar for the 2010 breeding season should be in touch as soon as possible to secure a booking.  Please feel free to contact Mark - 021 663 995, Shannon - 0212 855 513 or Justine - 0276 464 761 for more information.

Siring his second winner this week, Haunui Farm stallion Iffraaj (GB) (Zafonic) not only continues to increase his lead in Europe's battle for First Season Sire honours but he is also Europe's leading sire of two-year-olds.

Godolphin colt Introvert (Ire) (Iffraaj) scored a comfortable win at Lingfield overnight to credit Iffraaj with his 18th winner for the season to date.  Ridden by Godolphin's number one jockey in Frankie Detorri, the colt made all the running and when challenged on the turn, responded strongly to surge clear and win comfortably at the line.

Iffraaj stands at Haunui in 2010 for a fee of $10,000 + GST and on the back of his recent Northern Hemisphere success, his book is closing in on full.  To make a booking, please feel free to contact Mark, Shannon or Justine.

Haunui Farm stallions Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) and Iffraaj (GB) (Zafonic) have both landed safely in New Zealand this past weekend and are currently serving their mandatory two-week stint in quarantine before being released to the farm in early August.

"Both stallions have travelled well and have settled into quarantine nicely," says Gavin Pickford, Haunui Farm's Stallion Manager.  "I'm looking forward to getting them both home and starting the season," he said.

Both stallions have had their fair share of success in recent weeks with Elusive City siring his sixth winner from nine starters in Hong Kong this season whilst Iffraaj continues to sit at the top of the European First Season Sires Table by number of winners and added to this tally overnight with another new winner.

Two-year-old filly Goldenveil (Ire) (Iffraaj) recorded a decisive win for trainer Richard Fahey at just her second start when winning by seven lengths at Ayr and in doing so gave jockey Paul Hanagan his 100th winner for the season.

With 17 individual winners to date, sights are now set on further black type with Wootton Bassett (Ire), Forjatt (Ire), Waltz Darling (Ire) and Nasharra (Ire) all nominated for the Group Two Gimcrak Stakes on the 18th of August.

Both stallions will serve limited books of 120 mares this season.  For more information, please be in touch with Mark - 021 663 995, Shannon - 0212 855 513 or Justine - 0276 464 761.

With Iffraaj (GB) (Zafonic) due to touch down in New Zealand on Saturday, the news from the Northern Hemisphere couldn't be better with three more winners added to his tally over the last two days as well as another stakes performer to his credit.

Wednesday saw three winners for Iffraaj with filly Bay Of Fires (Ire) scoring her second win from four starts whilst two new winners in the form of Rafella (Ire) and Musharakaat (GB) were both impressive winning maiden events over 6f and 7f respectively, Musharakaat a two-and-a-quarter length winner on debut at Kempton.

Further afield, last start winner Zacynthus (Ire) (Iffraaj) became Iffraaj's second stakes performer when finishing third in the Listed Prix Roland de Chambure at Longchamp.

Yesterday Wootton Bassett (Ire) maintained his unbeaten record scoring by two lengths at Doncaster with Forjatt (Ire) (Iffraaj) completing an Iffraaj quinella in the 6f event with a further eleven lengths to the next closest runner!

With a total of 16 individual winners, Iffraaj still sits atop the European First Season Sires Table with two stakes performers to his credit as well.  Kildangan Stud Director Jimmy Hyland has reported that Iffraaj has more individual winners in his first crop at this stage than any other Darley stallion to date which is a very telling statistic.

"Iffraaj is definitely flying in the Northern Hemisphere and all that is needed now is some stakes winners and with the quality of horse that is about, I'm sure they will come," said Mark Chitty, General Manager of Haunui Farm.  "The likes of Wootton Bassett, Forjatt and Waltz Darling are all reported to be stakes horses and the first two hold nominations for the Gimcrack so that gives some indication of the regard they are held in," he said.

Iffraaj arrives in New Zealand on Saturday and after completing quarantine will take up residence at Haunui for his third Southern Hemisphere season.  He stands for a fee of $10,000 + GST and will serve a limited book of 120 mares.  For more information, please feel free to contact Mark Chitty - 021 663 995, Shannon Taylor - 0212 855 513 or, Justine Sclater - 0276 464 761.

Haunui Farm stallion Iffraaj (GB) (Zafonic) continues to add to his tally of winners with yet another winner in England to take his total to 13.

Iffraaj's individual winners have secured him a position at the top of the European First Season Sires Table and if the roll continues, he could well be headed for top honours at the end of the Northern Hemisphere season.

“Iffraaj has certainly set tongues wagging in the Northern Hemisphere,” said Mark Chitty, General Manager of Haunui Farm.  “He has sired thirteen winners before he even took to the track himself – he didn’t win his first two-year-old race until the end of September,” he said.  “He has had five two-year-olds win on debut and they are all doing it in very good fashion,” said Mark.  “Many of his progeny race as he did – on the pace – and they finish off their races well,” he said.  “They all appear to have good actions and you can only think that as he did, they will get better as they get older,” said Mark.

Placed third in his first start, Iffraaj won his only other assignment as a two-year-old and at three, his career was stalled due to an injury sustained at his first three-year-old start.  After just under twelve months off the track, Iffraaj returned to record three wins in-a-row at four and later that season claimed his first of three Group Two victories when taking out the Doncaster Park Stakes.  At five, Iffraaj was second in the Group One July Cup, beaten the narrowest of margins before obliterating his rivals in the Group Two Lennox Stakes and at his final start, set a track record at York when taking out his second Group Two Park Stakes. 

Iffraaj ended his race career the highest rated sprinter of 2006 with a Timeform rating of 127 and International Classification of 128.  

“There is no doubting his class on the racetrack,” said Mark of Iffraaj, “and he has had a dream start to his Northern Hemisphere career,” he said.  “If he is still the leading first season sire at the end of the season, we will be the only studfarm in the world to be standing two Champion First Season Sires – Iffraaj and Elusive City who was Champion First Season Sire in 2008,” he said.

b c Iffraaj - Fayreform - a member of Iffraaj's first Southern Hemisphere crop

After topping Europe's First Season Sires Table at the end of June by number of winners, Iffraaj (GB) (Zafonic) has now notched his first blacktype performer with Free Art (Ire) (Iffraaj) placed third in the Listed Golden Fleece Stakes (7f) at Leopardstown overnight.

With eleven individual winners to date, Iffraaj has made a flying start to his career in the Northern Hemisphere and his run looks set to continue in the near future with Introvert (GB) (Iffraaj) set to line up again this weekend for Godolphin after a close second on debut at Newmarket in June.

"We have received some great reports from the Northern Hemisphere in regard to Iffraaj's progeny," said Mark Chitty, General Manager of Haunui Farm.  "He served a quality book of mares at Kildangan this season - his best yet - and his fertility was over 90% with 146 mares covered so the Irish breeders have certainly taken note of his performance," he said.

Iffraaj will stand at Haunui Farm in 2010 for a fee of $10,000 + GST.  As the current leading First Seasion Sire in Europe by winners and, the leading First Crop Sire at New Zealand Bloodstock's May Weanling Sale, he is certainly making an impression in both hemispheres.

For more information in regard to the Haunui stallions, please feel free to contact Mark Chitty - 021 663 995, Shannon Taylor - 0212 855 513 or Justine Sclater - 0276 464 761.

After an impressive debut victory, today's EBN reports that two-year-old filly Stay Alive (Ire) (Iffraaj) will be sent to the spelling paddock. 

From the EBN:

Grundy Bloodstock's homebred sparkled on her debut when she crushed the field, scoring easily by three-and-a-quarter lengths in a very good time over 1200m.  David Stagni, ItaliaForm's two-year-old handicapper, gave the filly a flattering mark of 100 (equivalent to 90 on Racing Post Ratings).

"She was highly impressive.  She won in a time much faster than the colts and just a second slower than the older sprinters of Stakes calibre in a conditions race.  I like the way she jumped from the gate and she ran like a professional filly.  This is a good first step, now we can give her a break and then plan the second part of the season," said owner and breeder Franca Vittadini.

She added: "I fell in love with the sire when he finished second in the G1 July Cup.  He is a beautiful horse, with a fine pedigree and a lot of speed.  Spotting the first season sires is the kind of game I like and is one of the most entertaining challenges in this job."

Yes, that's right, the winners keep coming for Iffraaj (GB) (Zafonic) with the Haunui Farm stallion adding another debutante to his growing list of winners.

You may have noticed the launch of our new website earlier today and it seems appropriate that the first news update on the site comes in the form of another Iffraaj winner, Stay Alive (Ire) (Iffraaj).

Lining up in Italy, Stay Alive won with a lot left in the tank according to reports in today's EBN, the filly recording a quicker time over the 1200m than the colts.

With eleven individual winners to his credit, Iffraaj still heads the First Season Sires Table in Europe by number of winners with the trend looking set to continue in the coming weeks.

Iffraaj will touch down in New Zealand in just over two weeks time where he will spend two weeks in quarantine before returning to Haunui Farm for his third Southern Hemisphere season.  Standing at a fee of $10,000 + GST in 2010, Iffraaj will serve a limited book of 120 mares. 

Haunui Farm stallion Iffraaj (GB) (Zafonic) has hit double figures over the weekend with yet another debutante coming up trumps in England.

Iffraaj’s tenth individual winner came in the form of the big, strong, chestnut colt Zacynthus (Ire) (Iffraaj) who in the colours of Godolphin romped to victory over 7f on the July course at Newmarket on Saturday.

Jumping quickly from the barriers, Zacynthus raced prominently in the early stages and over the last 2f finished the race off far too strongly for his competition winning by a comfortable two-and-a-half lengths at the line.

“That’s the fifth Iffraaj that has won on debut to date,” said Mark Chitty, General Manager of Haunui Farm. “They are all stepping up to the mark pretty quickly and long before he himself had even won a race at two which is pretty exciting,” he said.

The highest rated sprinter of Europe in 2006, Iffraaj had only the two starts at two with his three-year-old season curtailed due to injury after just one start. Given his opportunity as an older horse, Iffraaj well and truly proved his worth with three Group Two victories, including a track record at York for his second Park Stakes, and the closest of seconds in the Group One July Cup.

Iffraaj’s two-year-olds are undoubtedly making their mark on the racetracks of England and Ireland whilst in the Southern Hemisphere his first crop of weanlings set tongues wagging at New Zealand Bloodstock’s Weanling Sale in May with the young stallion the leading First Season Sire.

“Iffraaj has certainly made a great start to his career in the Northern Hemisphere and the results are certainly filtering through down here as we are getting a lot of enquiry,” said Mark. “It is very exciting to see him topping the First Season Sires Table on number of winners and if the results keep coming as they are, there’s no reason he won’t be at the top of the list at the end of the season,” he said.

2010 will see Iffraaj returning to Haunui Farm for his third Southern Hemisphere season. He will stand for a fee of $10,000 + GST and will serve a limited book of 120 mares. For more information, please feel free to contact Mark Chitty – 021 663 995 021 663 995 – Shannon Taylor – 0212 855 513 0212 855 513 or, Justine Sclater – 0276 464 761 0276 464 761 .

The numbers keep ticking over for Iffraaj (GB) (Zafonic) with his eighth winner on the board over the weekend and plenty more runners to come this week.

Wootton Bassett (Ire) (Iffraaj) was an impressive winner on debut over six furlongs at Ayr and added his name to the growing tally of first crop winners for Iffraaj taking the total to eight.

Another who races in a similar fashion to his sire, Wootton Bassett settled just outside the leader after jumping from a wide barrier and upon quickening at the 2f pole easily took the lead.  He faced a stern challenge with a furlong to go but won by a length and a half at the line.

Iffraaj was unlucky not score another weekend double with the Godolphin runner Introvert (Ire) (Iffraaj) a strong second on debut at Newmarket over 7f.  He will be one to watch at his next start.

“The winners just keep rolling in,” said Shannon Taylor, Marketing & Operations Manager at Haunui Farm.  “Iffraaj is second on the First Season Sires list and in looking through his entries for the coming weeks, his numbers are sure to keep climbing,” she said.  “The good thing is that many of them are winning on debut or at their second start,” she said.

Iffraaj, himself a winner at two, trained on to race at the elite level at four and five after suffering an injury which curtailed his three-year-old season.  “That is what is so exciting about his progeny,” said Shannon.  “They are coming out an winning even before he did himself however given the fact that he raced on as an older horse, you would think his progeny will do the same,” she said.

Iffraaj is set to arrive in New Zealand in the middle of next month at which time he will complete two weeks of quarantine before heading to Haunui to serve his third Southern Hemisphere season.  Standing at a fee of $10,000 + GST, he will serve a limited book of 120 mares.

Haunui Farm stallion Iffraaj (GB) (Zafonic) has continued his remarkable start to his stud career recording his seventh individual winner at Kempton over night.

Two-year-old filly Sceal Nua (Ire) (Iffraaj) was a comfortable winner in the end after staving off a strong challenge from the well fancied pair of Pencarrow (GB) (Green Desert) and Dubai Moon (USA) (Malibu Moon), both from the Godolphin stable.

Jumping quickly from the gates, Sceal Nua took up the lead early in the running and settled nicely.  Handling the tight turning Kempton track, she was held together nicely by jockey Richard Hughes and was asked for her effort over the final two furlongs.  With Pencarrow mounting a strong challenge on her outer, the two fillies fought it out over the final furlong with Sceal Nua pulling away at the line to win by a comfortable half length at the line.

With seven winners to his credit to date, Iffraaj sits second on the First Crop Sires list and on Friday has his first runners at blacktype level when the fillies Idiom (Ire) and Bay Of Fires (Ire) contest the Group Three Albany Stakes (6f) at Royal Ascot.  Idiom was an impressive five length winner at her second start for Godolphin whilst Bay Of Fires also comes into the race after winning on the 8^th of June.

“For Iffraaj to have two fillies lining up at Royal Ascot is very exciting,” said Mark Chitty, General Manager of Haunui Farm.  “He has made a great start to his stud career in the Northern Hemisphere and a blacktype result would be the icing on the cake,” he said.  “Both of these fillies have shown plenty in their two starts to date so they have been given their opportunity and we will certainly be watching with interest,” said Mark.

The leading first season sire at New Zealand Bloodstock’s Weanling Sale in May, Iffraaj will stand his third season at Haunui Farm in 2010 for a fee of $10,000 + GST.  Like all of the Haunui stallions, his book is limited to 120 mares.  For more information, please feel free to contact Mark Chitty – 021 663 995, Shannon Taylor – 0212 855 513 or, Justine Sclater – 0276 464 761.

Two-year-old filly Bay Of Fires (Ire) (Iffraaj) became the sixth individual winner for Haunui Farm stallion Iffraaj (GB) (Zafonic) when putting in a smart effort over six furlongs at Redcar over night.

Facing the starter for the second time after a solid third on debut at Haydcock two weeks ago, Bay Of Fires jumped smartly from midfield and settled nicely on the pace for jockey Silvestre de Sousa.  The filly showed her greenness over the last furlong and went from running on the inside of the track to the outside rail however her class still prevailed.

With six winners to his credit – three colts and three fillies – Iffraaj currently sits second on the First Season Sires table and is set to have at least one runner at the upcoming Royal Ascot meeting in the form of Idiom (Ire) who will line up for the Godolphin stable.

Iffraaj will stand at Haunui Farm for a fee of $10,000 + GST in 2010.

Haunui Farm stallion Iffraaj (GB) (Zafonic) is certainly starting to make his presence felt in the Northern Hemisphere with an impressive double overnight to take his Northern Hemisphere tally of winners to four at just the start of the flat racing season.

Racing in the colours initially worn by his sire, two-year-old colt Forjatt (Ire) (Iffraaj) looked every bit like his sire when winning on debut at Nottingham for trainer Michael Jarvis and the world’s most famous jockey, Frankie Dettori.

Jumping well from the gates, Forjatt raced as green as the grass he was galloping on but when really asked the question by Detorri over the final stages of the race, flattened out to take the lead easily and win by a half length.

Completing the overnight double was another colt, Waltz Darling (Ire) (Iffraaj) who was equally impressive when winning at Ripon.  Also on debut, Waltz Darling took up a racing pattern similar to that of his sire as he raced handy to the lead.  With two furlongs to go, he was popped the question by jockey Paul Hanagan and responded swiftly to hit the lead and stretch out to a comfortable one-and-a-half length victory.

Fellow debutante Joe Eile (Ire) (Iffraaj) almost completed a hat trick for his sire when denied by a head on debut at Fairyhouse however on the back of that performance, race success is sure to be just around the corner.

“We received some very positive comments from some of the Northern Hemisphere based agents when we were in Sydney,” said Mark Chitty, General Manager of Haunui Farm.  “All of Iffraaj’s winners have been very impressive and if you watch their races, they are all quality types with good actions,” he said.  “If the results keep coming in like this, we will be more than happy,” he said.

Iffraaj will stand at Haunui Farm in 2010 for a fee of $10,000 + GST and will serve a limited book of 120 mares.  For more information, please feel free to contact Mark Chitty – 021 663 995, Shannon Taylor – 0212 855 513 or, Justine Sclater – 0276 464 761.

Hot on the heels of a successful weanling sale earlier this month, Haunui Farm stallion Iffraaj (GB) (Zafonic) has sired his first winner in the Northern Hemisphere with two-year-old colt Nasharra (Ire) (Iffraaj) impressing over five furlongs on debut at Leicester.

Crossing the line with a length to spare, the Kevin Ryan-trained colt raced prominently for jockey Jamie Spencer and put the race beyond doubt with a furlong to run.

“We have been receiving so many good comments in regard to Iffraaj’s two-year-olds in the Northern Hemisphere so it is nice to get the first points on the board,” said Mark Chitty, General Manager of Haunui Farm.  “He was the leading first season sire at the May Sale with a top price of $50,000 for one of his colts whilst we sold a filly by him for $40,000 so to notch his first winner now is certainly very timely,” he said.  “Given that flat racing is only just getting underway in Europe, by all accounts I think we have an exciting few months ahead,” said Mark.

Timeform’s highest rated speed horse of 2006, Iffraaj is a three-time Group Two-winner and was Group One placed in the July Cup.  He is out of a half sister to Cape Cross (Ire) (Green Desert), a sire who has proven very successful in both hemispheres siring the likes of Ouija Board (Ire), Sea The Stars (Ire), Able One (NZ) and  Seachange (NZ).  Iffraaj will stand his third season at Haunui Farm in 2010 for a fee of $10,000 + GST and will serve a limited book of 120 mares.

For more information in regard to the Haunui stallions, please feel free to contact
 Mark Chitty - 021 663 995, Shannon Taylor - 0212 855 513 or, Justine Sclater - 0276 464 761.

The progeny of Haunui Farm stallion Iffraaj (GB) (Zafonic) proved very popular at NZB’s National Weanling Sale in early May with the three-time Group Two-winner the heading the first season sire’s list and featuring in the top ten stallions of the sale.

Click here to view photos of some of Iffraaj's first Southern Hemisphere crop.

The first Southern Hemisphere foal of multiple Group Two-winner and Group One-performer Iffraaj (GB) (Zafonic) has finally hit the ground this past weekend.

A bay colt out of Let’s Enjoy (NZ) (Danske), he was bred by Robert’s Holdings – Paul and Mary Kenny and Charlie Roberts – partners in Iffraaj.  “From all reports the colt has a lot of quality about him and is a nice, leggy type,” said Mark Chitty of Haunui Farm. 

“It’s great to have Iffraaj’s first foal on the ground and it will be nice when we’ve got a few of our own here at Haunui,” he said.

A two-time winner of the Group Two Park Stakes – setting a record at York for 7f of 1.21:98 – Iffraaj also won the Group Two Lennox Stakes and placed second in the Group One July Cup.  Retiring retired with an International Classification of 128 and Timeform Rating of 127. 

Iffraaj served a full book of mares in his first season at Haunui in 2008 and has 103 mares due to foal to him this spring.  “34% of his first Southern Hemisphere book were stakes performers or stakes producers so he has been given every opportunity to make an impact,” said Mark.  Out of a half sister to Cape Cross (Ire) (Green Desert), Iffraaj represents a pedigree that has already been successful in the Southern Hemisphere.  “If he can achieve similar results to what Cape Cross has achieved in the Southern Hemisphere, we will be more than happy,” said Mark.

Iffraaj stands at Haunui Farm in 2009 for a fee of $12,000 + GST and will serve a limited book of 120 mares.

The continued success of the progeny of Cape Cross (Ire) (Green Desert) bodes well for close relation Iffraaj (GB) (Zafonic) who will be return to Haunui Farm in 2009 for his second Southern Hemisphere season.

Cape Cross has enjoyed another stellar season to date in the Northern Hemisphere with outstanding colt Sea The Stars (Ire) (Cape Cross) becoming the first horse in twenty years to land the 2000 Guineas/Epsom Derby double.  Sea The Stars followed in the footsteps of Champion filly Ouija Board (Ire) (Cape Cross) to become his sire's second Classic winner and seventh winner at the highest level.

Out of a half sister to Cape Cross, Iffraaj has the racetrack performance to compliment an already proven pedigree in this part of the world.  A three-time Group Two winner on turf, Iffraaj finished an agonisingly close second in the Group One July Cup after being held up in the running and he also set a track record at York for 7f (1400m) stopping the clock in 1.21:98.

"Cape Cross has produced high class horses each and every season and we have seen another one in Sea The Stars," said Mark Chitty of Haunui Farm.  "We all recognise how successful Cape Cross was when crossed with New Zealand broodmares and that is why we are so excited about the prospects of Iffraaj," he said.  "Unlike a number of other stallions that are close relations to successful sires, Iffraaj has the racetrack performance to back up his pedigree credentials," said Mark.

Iffraaj has 103 mares due to foal to him in New Zealand this season, among them a number of stakes winners and stakes producers.  "When you look at the list of mares he has covered and do the statistics, 34% of the mares due to foal to him this season are stakes performers or stakes producers," said Mark.  "That is a good start for any stallion and will give breeders confidence in the quality of his progeny that will hit the ground from his first Southern Hemisphere crop," he said.

Iffraaj will stand at Haunui Farm in 2009 for a fee of $12,000 + GST.  He will serve a limited book of 120 mares.  For more information, please feel free to contact Mark Chitty - 021 663 995 - or Shannon Taylor - 0212 855 513.

With the end of September drawing near, Haunui Farm is pleased to report that Iffraaj (GB) (Zafonic) has made a flying start to the season covering over 30 mares with his first five scanning in foal this past week.

“We were hoping he would cover 40 mares this month to get a good head start on what is going to be a busy season for him and he is well on track to do that,” said Mark Chitty, General Manager of Haunui Farm. 

Of the thirty mares covered to date, Iffraaj has served the likes of three-time Group One-winner Fayreform (NZ) (Tights), Anna’s Choice (NZ) (Vice Regal), the dam of New Zealand Derby-winner Hades (NZ) (Zabeel) as well as the stakes winner Everbright (NZ) (Cape Cross) and stakes performers Katchmekate (NZ) (Bakharoff) and Swan Lake (NZ) (Green Perfume), and Tafelberg (NZ) (Kaapstad), the dam of recent winner Rubin Carter (NZ) (Storm Creek) as well as Solveig’s Song (NZ) (Bakharoff), a daughter of champion race mare and outstanding producer Solveig (NZ) (Imposing)

Iffraaj’s early positive scans include Dominica (NZ) (Cape Cross) a daughter of New Zealand Oaks-winner and stakes producer Domino (NZ) (Grosvenor).

With mares still to cover such as Rationaine (NZ) (Centaine), the dam of VRC Derby-winner Amalfi (NZ) (Carnegie) and Real Success (Aus) (Success Express), the dam of Group One winner Vouvray (NZ) (Zabeel), Iffraaj’s first crop of foals will be well sought after.

“Our partners in Iffraaj have certainly supported him with some of their best mares just as we have,” said Mark.  “We appreciate the support we have received from other breeders as well and we are more than happy with his first New Zealand book,” said Mark.  “Roll on 2009 to the arrival of his first Southern Hemisphere foals!”

Below is an article written by Peter Falconer that appeared in the April 11th issue of The Informant. We thought it made for good reading and would like to thank The Informant for allowing us to post it on our website.

Better luck next time - by Peter Falconer

There are few bigger hard luck stories in Australian thoroughbred breeding than that relating to the form top-class European racehorse and sire Zafonic (USA).

LEFT: Iffraaj (GB) (Zafonic) - coming to Haunui in 2008

One of the most acclaimed colts of the past 50-odd years of international racing, Zafonic was a 2 and 3-year-old of rare ability, capturing the celebrated Newmarket double of the Dewhurst Stakes (Gr. 1) and 2000 Guineas (Gr. 1) as few before him, and even fewer since.

The prized possession of Prince Khalid Abdullah, once the thoroughbred world’s most successful breeder-owners, Zafonic quickly established himself as an outrageously pre-potent stallion on his retirement to Juddmonte Farms.

Group winner was followed by Group winner. The world was the Gone West stallion’s proverbial oyster. Little could anyone have imagined what was next to follow.

Miraculously secured by John Messara to serve as a shuttle stallion at Arrowfield Stud during the southern hemisphere breeding season of 2002, the exercise resulted in complete and utter disaster.

Within days of covering his first Australian broodmares, Zafonic suffered a fatal paddock accident and was lost to the thoroughbred world far too prematurely.

The sum total of Zafonic’s ill-fated venture Down Under was just four fillies, now 4-year-olds, two of which have at least broken their maiden status on the racetrack, though at circuits far removed form British racing’s headquarters.

Hopefully New Zealand’s experience with the breed ultimately proves to be considerable more fruitful.

Following the aborted first intended season of Iffraaj (GB) in New Zealand last year, the high-class son of Zafonic is set to make his belated debut Down Under when taking his place on the Haunui Farm stallion roster this coming southern hemisphere breeding season.

Clients of the Auckland stud farm have a genuine treat in store.
A strapping bay entire as handsome as handsome can be, Iffraaj competed with great distinction from 2 to 5-years of age and managed just about everything that is possible on the racetrack other than victory in Group 1 company.

He could not have come any closer to one though.

Watch a replay of the 2006 July Cup (Gr. 1) over Newmarket’s hallowed six-furlong course and the horse charging past the likes of Takeover Target and Falkirk into second position is Haunui Farm’s visitor later this year.

Iffraaj’s seven career wins from just 13 career outings witnessed him most effective at the specialist sprint distance of 7 furlongs, the journey over which he posted no fewer than three Group 2 victories.

That fact notwithstanding, Iffraaj is probably best summed-up as arguably the best European galloper of the past couple of decades not to have won at the highest level.

One only hopes that Zafonic’s son meets with better luck than his forebear during an inaugural local stud season in service.
 

After announcing last season that dual Group Two-winner and Group One performer Iffraaj (GB) (Zafonic) would be joining the Haunui stallion roster, the outbreak of Equine Influenza put a halt to his arrival in New Zealand. Limited to a book of 120 mares, Iffraaj was set to cover his full quota in New Zealand in 2007 and Haunui Farm are pleased to announce that he will get to do so in 2008.

“We received a fantastic response from breeders when we announced Iffraaj last year and it was certainly very disappointing not to have been able to get him to New Zealand due to the outbreak of EI in Australia where he was quarantined,” said Mark. “He is on his way to Haunui in 2008 and is an exciting stallion to have on our roster being such a highly credentialed race horse and, a close relation to Cape Cross who has been such a great success in the Southern Hemisphere,” said Mark.

By the ill-fated Zafonic (USA) (Gone West), one of the most highly acclaimed colts of the last half century, Iffraaj is out of Pastorale (GB) (Nureyev), a half sister to Cape Cross and to the dam of Group One-winner and successful sire Diktat (GB) (Warning) and, is herself a daughter of Champion two-year-old Park Appeal (GB) (Ahonoora).

A multiple Group Two-winner including the Park Stakes two years running and, the Lennox Stakes, Iffraaj was beaten just a whisker in the time honoured Group One Darley July Cup over 6f. An outstanding sprinter on turf, Iffraaj was a race horse held in the highest regard in the Northern Hemisphere and earned this reputation as a four and five-year-old after injury curtailed his entire three-year-old season. “He was obviously highly thought of by his connections being such a well-bred colt and being allowed to race on at four and five,” says Mark. “It also says a lot for the horse’s aptitude and temperament to race at the highest level as an older horse,” he said.

With a Timeform rating of 127 and an International Classification of 128 upon retirement, Iffraaj was rated above numerous international performers including Electrocutionist – three-time Group One-winner including the Dubai World Cup - Takeover Target – four-time Group One-winner and Champion Australian Sprinter - Les Arcs – two-time Group One-winner including the July Cup - Ad Valorem – two-time Group One-winner including the Middle Park Stakes and Queen Anne Stakes - and Ouija Board – seven-time Group One winner and Champion European Mare.

Standing his first season at stud in 2007 at Kildangan in Ireland, Iffraaj served a full book or mares and is on his way to covering another full book in 2008. His first foals have created a strong impression among breeders in the Northern Hemisphere with Michael Dalton stating his colt out of Dance Clear (Ire) (Marju) “is the nicest we have on the farm this year. He has lots of scope and is very well put together,” he said.

“The foal reports we have received are very encouraging and Iffraaj seems to be stamping his progeny,” said Mark. “They are all bays with very little white, are correct, have good bone, natural muscle and a good hip and I look forward to seeing a number of them when I visit Kildangan in a fortnights time,” he said.

Iffraaj will stand at Haunui Farm in 2008 for a service fee of NZ$12,000 + GST and with the support of partners Ardsley Stud, Chequers Stud, Fairdale Stud, Millfield Stud, Monovale Farm, Soliloquy Lodge, Trelawney Stud and, Paul and Mary Kenny and Jen Campin will be given a great opportunity. “Given that Cape Cross is resting from shuttle duties this year, Iffraaj represents a great opportunity for breeders to utilise a stallion who most importantly proved himself on the racetrack, represents a pedigree that has been so successful in the Southern Hemisphere and, is from the proven Mr Prospector sire line which has been so successful” says Mark.