Iffraaj, a stalwart of shuttle stallion duties since 2008, has continued his rise in the stallion ranks adding to his Group One tally through the deeds of talented three-year-old colt Ribchester. The winner of the Group One Prix Jacques Le Marios, he has three further Group One placings to his credit and boasts a Timeform rating of 129.
At a fee of £27,500, Iffraaj sits at number four on Darley's 14-strong roster
at Dalham Hall behind Dubawi, Golden Horn and New Approach.Whilst Iffraaj's service fee rise is tribute to his continued success, a further increase in Showcasing's service fee for 2017 shows the regard in which the young son of Oasis Dream is held in the North.
Standing at Whitsbury Manor Stud, Showcasing will command a £35,000 service fee next season, a rise of £10,000 off the back of a season which has seen him produce four Group performers including outstanding three-year-old sprinting filly Quiet Reflection, a dual Group One winner.
Haunui Farm's Managing Director, Mark Chitty says, "Both stallions have had hugely successful seasons in the Northern Hemisphere and this is obviously reflected in their service fee increases.
"Iffraaj is undoubtedly a truly proven stallion in both Hemispheres, in the South, he has left a Group One performer in each and every one of his crops of racing age. He's left one of the best three-year-old colts in Europe this season and could well be doing the same again here in New Zealand with two fancied runners in the upcoming 2000 Guineas – Jon Snow and Wyndspelle.
"Showcasing's rise to prominence has been exciting and the fact that we have 50% ownership in the Southern Hemisphere is huge. I really don't think New Zealand breeders realise what a significant stallion he is becoming having started his career at a fee of £5,000. He's made his way to the top through his ability to upgrade his mares. Showcasing has been among the leading sires of his year in the North but in New Zealand, he is the leading sire of his year. He finished number one as a first season sire and repeated the dose in his second season.
"We've been waiting for some good tracks and they're finally here and with that, we've seen eight winners in the last week including Midnight Gossip who is heading to the 1000 Guineas.
"Both stallions continue to do the job and it would be a dream result to get a Guineas double next week!"
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