Gerry Harvey has boosted the New Zealand stallion ranks with the addition of G1 English 2000 Guineas winner Makfi to his Westbury Stud roster.
Makfi (GB) will shuttle to Westbury by arrangement with Qatar Bloodstock and Tweenhills Stud in England
Makfi (Dubawi) established himself as one of the best milers in a vintage season of three year-olds in 2010. He defeated a crack field in the English 2000 Guineas at Newmarket leaving G1 winners Dick Turpin, Canford Cliffs and last-start Hong Kong Champions Mile hero Xtension in his wake.
Having proved himself superior against his own age, Makfi then went on to defeat older horses in G1 Prix Jacques le Marois (1600m) at Deauville. Champion mare Goldikova and recent NZ stud signing Paco Boy filled the minors.
Makfi retired after winning four times in six starts and was rated Joint Champion 3YO and Joint Champion Miler in 2010. His Timeform rating of 132 is 3lbs higher than that of his own sire Dubawi (Dubai Millenium) who has made a sensational start to his stud career in Europe.
The Darley stallion has now sired more stakes winners from his first crop than any other sire since the Group and Listed classifications were formed.
Makfi (4c Dubawi – Dhelaal by Green Desert) hails from Sheikh Hamdan’s best bloodlines being out of a Green Desert half sister to Champion 2YO and successful sire Alhaarth. His second-dam is a half-sister to Champion French 2YO and Champion sire Green Dancer.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to stand a horse of Makfi’s quality at Westbury and I feel confident he will suit the New Zealand broodmare pool superbly”, Westbury studmaster Russell Warwick said.
“Seldom do breeders in this part of the world have access to a stallion with his level of race performance. He will stand at $27,500 (+ gst).”
Makfi is currently covering his first book of mares at Tweenhills Stud for a 25,000 pounds fee which was the most expensive of any freshman sire in England.
He has been supported by leading European breeders The Aga Khan Studs, Darley, Cheveley Park Stud, Juddmonte, Haras de Mezeray, Haras de Quesnay and was oversubscribed with a book limited to 150 mares.