KHAFEEF wins Open Hurdles at Hawera 26th April with a great display of jumping

KHAFEEF, the 7yo Gelding by Champs Élysées out of Tawaareekh, produced an excellent display of jumping in the Restricted Open Hurdle over 280o metres at Hawera 26th April. Ridden by the classy Shaun Fannin, the Kevin Myers trained galloper was eased back from the start with Fannin content to let him find a good rhythm in the back half of the field – jumping smoothly throughout, Fannin gave KHAFEEF more rein from about the 800m mark – traveling strongly from that point he hit the front taking the 1st jump at the top of the straight and ran away from his opposition closing stages to score with a 3 length margin at the finish post.

Rider Shaun Fannin was fulsome in his praise after the race saying “Beautiful jumping today by Khafeef – he was a lot more relaxed compared to when I last rode him in the Spring – he got into a nice rhythm, gave me everything I asked for and had plenty in reserve as well – we have always held him in high regard, so great to get this sort of result and there is plenty more in store”

Click HERE to see the race replay

Trainer Kevin Myers was on course and was very pleased “Great display by Khafeef today  – he is a lovely jumper” he said after the race.

KHAFEEF strides to the winning post – Shaun Fannin aboard

Fortuna Racing Boss John Galvin, who had been unable to attend the meeting at Hawera watched the race on TV from his Hamilton home and was also very pleased with the result “Gee, that was a great watch, Khafeef always seemed to be traveling like a winner – and as they turned for home, you would not have wanted to be on any other horse – he has not done himself a lot of favours with previous racing because he just goes so keen, but Kevin has done a wonderful job with him over the summer months, Shaun handled him perfectly and he was really relaxed in this race – he looks like he could have a great future at the jumping game.”

 KHAFEEF in full flight – Hawera 26 April 2023

KHAFEEF, who had raced in France as a 3yo for one win and a 2nd from four starts for his Owner/Breeder, the Shadwell Estate, was acquired by John Galvin, with the assistance of International Bloodstock Agent, Hubie De Burgh, at the 2019 Tattersalls Horses In Training Sale for 28,000 Guineas (NZ$60k approx).

He is raced by the Fortuna Khafeef Syndicate, an ownership group comprising 71 individuals, in the main New Zealanders, but with three of the Group from Hong Kong. He has now had 4 career wins (3 in NZ – 1 in France) and has accumulated just under $100,000 in Prize money earnings