Ridgemont Highlands’ exciting Redoute’s Choice champion Rafeef produced a ninth first crop winner when his two-year-old daughter Franca won on the Vaal Classic track on Tuesday.
Bred by Piemonte Stud, Franca had finished fifth last time out, but made amends with a front running win in Tuesday’s All To Come Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1200m.
The handsome Rafeef (Redoute’s Choice – National Colour)
Under Calvin Habib, Franca was always prominent, and stayed on gallantly to post a neck win for trainer Ashley Fortune.
Out of the Red Ransom mare Afnaan, Franca had finished in the placings twice, prior to Tuesday’s win.
She is the ninth winner for her sire. Rafeef’s first crop also including BSA Cape Yearling Sale Cup winner Mounia, and the very impressive looking Ravensthorpe.
Rafeef also enjoyed success at Turffontein on Champions Day when his Mike de Kock trained son Aragosta won by three and a half lengths.
A full-brother to Equus Champion Mustaaqeem, and smart recent debut winner Beaven Lane, Rafeef has made a cracking start to his stud career.
The former Gr1 Computaform Sprint winner is presently South Africa’s Leading First Season Sire by both stakes and individual winners, and at the time of writing is currently sixth on the Leading Sires of 2YO’s List for 2020-2021.
Rafeef was purchased by Shadwell Australia for A$800 000 at the 2014 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale.
Just prior to his retirement from the track, the son of champion Redoute’s Choice grabbed the limelight at the Highveld Feature Awards and was also crowned Champion Sprinter and Champion Older Horse.
Rafeef wins the Gr1 Computaform Sprint
The Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al Maktoum-owned galloper raced six times during the 2016-17 season. Trainer Mike de Kock saddled him to win four races, including the Gr1 Computaform Sprint over 1000m and the Gr2 Hawaii Stakes over 1400m.
He won a total of 6 races from 1000m to 1400m at 3 to 4, and achieved a highest official rating of 116.
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