Western Empire, a son of Iffraaj, took a first top-flight victory with a dominate display in the G1 Railway Stakes at Ascot on Saturday, 20 October.
Four-wide at the final turn, Western Empire cruised into contention round the final bend under a confident ride by William Pike. Devouring the leaders in a matter of strides, the four-year-old was unchallenged in the final 150m, staying on powerfully to win the mile contest comfortably by four lengths. Winner of the G3 Asian Beau Stakes on his previous start, Western Empire is now unbeaten in his last 6 starts.
Owned and bred by Peters Investments Pty Ltd, the New Zealand-bred Western Empire is a half-brother to the Listed-winning Western Temple. They are out of the Jeune mare Western Jewel, winner of the G2 Perth Cup, herself a half-sister to Hard Spun’s Listed-winning son Western Blaze.
Iffraaj is now the sire of 11 top-flight winners including French Champion two-year-old Wootton Bassett and European Champion Miler Ribchester. Among his Group winners this season are G2 Al Fahidi Fort victor Land Of Legends, G3 Baden Wurttemberg Trophy winner Only The Brave and G3 Prix Djebel hero Fast Raaj.
Last month, Iffraaj also celebrated his 250th European-bred two-year-old winner with the Saeed bin Suroor-trained Island Falcon taking the prestigious Golden Horn Maiden Stakes at Nottingham.
Iffraaj stands at Dalham Hall Stud at a fee of £17,500 Oct 1, SLF.
