Iffraaj’s superb season continued on 17 July when his daughter Araaja became his 50th Stakes winner, landing the Listed Prix Madame Jean Couturie at Vichy.
Settled in fourth position under Mickael Barzalona, the three-year-old filly travelled well throughout the ten-furlong contest and once asked to quicken two furlongs from home, soon moved to the front and held off the challenge from Golden Legend to win by a quarter of a length.
This was Araaja’s third consecutive victory and her fourth win this year. She could step up further in class for her next start as she holds an entry in the G3 Prix de Pysche at Deauville on 29 July.
Araaja was bred in Ireland by Rathregan Stud and is one of five winners from five foals to race out of Roshanak (Spinning World), also dam of fellow Listed winner Tom Melbourne. The mare is herself a half-sister to G1 Melbourne Cup and G1 Darley Australian Cup winner Fiorente and is from the family of Islington.
Iffraaj has sired three G1 winners so far this year, headed by Lockinge and Queen Anne hero Ribchester. He is also responsible for G2-winning duo The Black Princess (who recently landed the Lancashire Oaks) and Wyndspelle.
Iffraaj, who recently arrived safely in New Zealand, will stand the forthcoming season at Haunui Stud at a fee of NZ$25,000 plus GST.
