Classic winner and sire Makfi sold to Japan

Makfi, the World Champion miler of 2010 and the sire of Classic winners from his first crop in both the Northern and Southern Hemisphere, has been sold to stand at stud in Japan.

The leading son of Dubawi at stud, Makfi will stand next year in Japan following a sale by Qatar Bloodstock to the Japan Bloodhorse Breeders' Association (JBBA).

David Redvers, Qatar Bloodstock Manager said: ‚"We will be sad to see Makfi go as he was the first stallion purchased by Qatar Bloodstock and he means a lot to Sheikh Fahad and all the team. However, from a commercial perspective the deal made good sense and we wish the JBBA the best of luck with him. I am sure he will continue to thrive at stud.‚"

On the racecourse Makfi won the 2010 running of the Gr.1 2000 Guineas at Newmarket and followed up with victory over star mare Goldikova in the Gr.1 Prix Jacques Le Marois at Deauville. He was subsequently rated both the best three-year-old and best miler in the world. Bought that season by Qatar Bloodstock, Makfi initially stood at Tweenhills in England, shuttling annually to Westbury Stud in New Zealand.

Makfi's first crop produced Classic winners in France and Australia. His son Make Believe won the 2015 Gr.1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains and the Gr.1 Prix de la Foret in France, and his daughter Sofia Rosa won the Gr.1 ATC Oaks in Australia. His first crop also included the champion two-year-old in New Zealand, Marky Mark.

Speaking on behalf of the JBBA, a representative said: "We feel very fortunate to be able to acquire a young and proven stallion such as Makfi. Having already sired a Classic winner in France and Australia, we are hopeful that he will be successful in Japan as well."

2014 saw the launch of a new partnership between Qatar Bloodstock and the Aga Khan Studs and for the last two Northern Hemisphere seasons Makfi has stood at Haras de Bonneval in France. However, his next stop, after he has fulfilled his commitments for this season at Westbury in New Zealand, will be Japan.

Russell Warwick, General Manager at Westbury Stud, said: ‚"It will be very sad to lose Makfi from the Southern Hemisphere breeding world as he has made an immediate impact with his progeny, firstly through his son Marky Mark, the Champion two-year-old of 2015, and more recently his daughter Sofia Rosa, who was a comprehensive winner of the ATC Oaks, and was awarded the title of New Zealand Filly of the Year in 2016. In addition, Hursley, Imposing Lass, and Raw Impulse have all won Stakes races in Australia.

‚"Makfi has a number of exciting prospects sitting in the wings and there is no doubt his presence in this part of the world will continue for many a year to come after standing for six seasons at Westbury, providing breeders access to a world-class son of the great Dubawi.‚"

Georges Rimaud, Manager of the Aga Khan Studs in France, said: ‚"We are sorry Makfi will not be coming back to Haras de Bonneval and he will be missed in France, where he was represented by his first Group 1 winner in Make Believe. He was well supported by breeders and his legacy in Europe will be further enhanced by his forthcoming crops of runners.‚"

To date, Makfi is the sire of 158 individual winners, with a winners-to-runners strike-rate of 57%, and worldwide progeny earnings of £5.5m (Sterling).