Western Empire Another Derby Contender for Iffraaj

IFFRAAJ (GB) (Zafonic) has a new star in Australia in the form of WESTERN EMPIRE (NZ) (Iffraaj). Bred by Bob Peters and born at Haunui, WESTERN EMPIRE has won his last two races – both at Listed level – by a combined 8 ½ lengths and will head to the West Australian Derby as the one to beat.

The sire of 75 stakes winners worldwide (25 from New Zealand), IFFRAAJ already has two Derby winners to his credit – GINGERNUTS (New Zealand Derby) and JON SNOW (Australian Derby) – and still has two crops yet to hit the track in the Southern Hemisphere with his last New Zealand-bred crop, currently foals/weanlings.

Replaced at Haunui Farm in 2020 by his best son, RIBCHESTER, IFFRAAJ’s legacy in New Zealand is set to continue through the deeds of his sire sons, not to mention, from the Broodmare paddock where he already boasts Broodmare of the Year, MELEKA BELLE, dam of MELODY BELLE.