CHAMPION Rafeef, popularly nick-named the ‘Thunder From Down Under’, had thechampagne corks popping at Highlands, Part Of Ridgemont, on Friday with the news that his first mare has been tested in foal.

The outstanding son of Redoute’s Choice joined the illustrious stallion roster at the champion farm in his first season at stud after being crowned Champion Sprinter and Champion Older Horse at the Highveld Feature Season Awards last term.

Rafeef’s arrival in the Western Cape was greeted with great excitement by South Africa’s leading breeders, and his full book of quality mares bore testimony to the manner in which he was received.

Described as a gentleman in the stallion barn, Rafeef has been a busy man in the past few weeks.

The lucky first lady to test in foal is the Hemel ‘n Aarde owned Casey Tibbs mare Borneo Bell, a speedy two time winner out of a Golden Thatch mare. Borneo Bell is an experienced mare and  has produced four winners – her match with Rafeef looks to be a high speed marriage of note!