FOUR-year-old Rafeef (AUS) left Mike de Kock’s stables at Randjesfontein on Monday for Robertson, Western Cape, where he is due to arrive at Highlands, part of Ridgemont on Tuesday. He is accompanied by his handler Ninja Ndabezindi.

Rafeef will take up stud duties at Highlands when the breeding season starts in September and Mike commented: “I am most excited about Rafeef’s prospects at stud. I’ve seen stallions leave from my yard, including Horse Chestnut, Vercingetorix and Soft Falling Rain and Rafeef is very special because he is by a champion stallion from a champion mare and you don’t find that too often.

Rafeef, loaded by New Turf Carriers and ready to travel with Ninja Ndabezindi by his side.

“We could have been selfish and raced him for another year, I’m sure he would have won a few more Grade 1s, but the timing is right and in line with Sheikh Hamdan’s philosophy. Rafeef retires early and also on a high after his wonderful win in the Gr1 Computaform Sprint. Everyone’s talking about him.

“He’s got a new home at Highlands, known for developing champion stallions, and I wish everyone involved with him all the best. Rafeef has the pedigree, race record and looks to make it big!”

Rafeef, by sire of sires Redoute’s Choice (Snitzel, Stratum, Musket, Nadeem et al), from the former South African champion, three time Gr1 winner and internationally Gr1 placed mare National Colour, raced 10 times for six wins and three places, earning R1,19-million in stakes.

He will stand at a fee of R50,000.

Headline photo: Rafeef, with groom Ninja Ndabezindi (right) and Job Motha.