Darley Retires Iffraaj, Raven's Pass From Stud Duties

Iffraaj and Raven's Pass, two stalwarts of the Darley stallion roster who have made their mark both as stallions and broodmare sires, have been pensioned from covering duties. The pair will remain at their respective homes, with Iffraaj set to enjoy his retirement at Dalham Hall Stud in Newmarket, while Raven's Pass will remain at Kildangan Stud in County Kildare. Darley's director of stallions Sam Bullard said: "Both Iffraaj and Raven's Pass have been rock solid as a source of stakes horses, both as sires and more recently as broodmare sires. "The time is now right for them to retire from covering duties, but they will remain in their respective stallion yards, where they will hopefully enjoy their retirement for many years to come." Bred by Darley, Iffraaj, a son of Zafonic, began his racing career in the colors of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, trained by Michael Jarvis. After winning his maiden as a 2-year-old in 2003, he developed into a high-class sprinter at 4, winning the Park Stakes (G2) in 2005 at Doncaster Racecourse. Following his successful 2005 campaign, Iffraaj was acquired by Godolphin and transferred to the stable of Saeed bin Suroor for the following season. He finished a close second to Les Arcs in the July Cup (G1) at Newmarket Racecourse before winning the Lennox Stakes (G2) at Goodwood Racecourse and a second Park Stakes, this time at York Racecourse. He retired with seven wins from 13 starts and £296,348 in career prize money. Iffraaj's haul of stakes winners sits at 106, headed by 14 individual group 1 winners across a distinguished stud career, including champion miler Ribchester (IRE), Chriselliam, and Rizeena (IRE), while his influence has been further enhanced by the success of his son Wootton Bassett, who developed into one of Europe's leading stallions. He also enjoyed considerable success in the Southern Hemisphere over 12 seasons, shuttling to Haunui Farm in New Zealand, with his Southern Hemisphere-bred progeny including 43 stakes winners and seven striking at the group 1 level. The 25-year-old has continued to make his presence felt at the highest level, with Jaarffi becoming his latest group 1 winner when landing the Otaki-Maori Classic (G1) in February in New Zealand. He was also represented by The Last Dance (FR), runner-up in this year's Poule d'Essai des Pouliches (French One Thousand Guineas, G1), while his daughters have produced 50 black-type winners, including this year's Commonwealth Cup Stakes (G1) winner Venetian Sun (IRE). Raven's Pass retires having established himself as a dependable source of stakes performers following a racing career highlighted by his victory in the 2008 Breeders' Cup Classic (G1). The son of Elusive Quality has produced 13% stakes horses and 7% stakes winners to runners. His 40 stakes winners include four who scored at the top level, while his standout performer was Japanese star Tower of London, who has gone on to sire a group 1 winner himself. Raven's Pass has also made a considerable impact as a broodmare sire, with his daughters responsible for four group 1 winners, including 2020 Prix du Jockey Club (G1) winner Mishriff (IRE), 2024 Prix de la Foret (G1) winner Ramatuelle, and Rouhiya (FR), successful in the 2024 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches. The 21-year-old's record as a broodmare sire also features dual group 1 winner Saffron Beach (IRE).