THREE years ago Makfi (Dubawi) was sold to continue his stud career in Japan. The decision was something of a surprise, given the start the stallion had made at stud. Now there is more reason to feel that the move was a regrettable one, given that Mkfancy, a two-year-old member of his final European crop, is now a Group 1 winner, while Makfi’s best son, Ballylinch Stud’s Make Believe, has made an impressive start to his stallion career, with three of his successful 13 first-crop runners being stakes winners.

Europe’s champion three-year-old colt of 2010 and the world’s best miler of that year, Makfi had sired Group 1 winners in three different countries at the time of his sale to the Japan Bloodstock Breeders’ Association (JBBA) by Qatar Bloodstock. Winner of the Group 1 2000 Guineas and the Group 1 Prix Jacques Le Marois, his first crop included classic winner Make Believe.

Makfi initially stood at Tweenhills Stud and, in a partnership arrangement with the Aga Khan Studs, his last two northern hemisphere seasons at Haras de Bonneval, while shuttling to Westbury Stud in New Zealand. Down under he is sire of three Group 1 winners, namely New Zealand’s champion two-year-old Marky Mark, the Australian Oaks victress Sofia and the triple Group 1 winning mare Bonneval.

At the time of his sale David Redvers said: “We will be sad to see Makfi go as he was the first stallion purchased by Qatar Bloodstock and he means a lot to Sheikh Fahad and all the team. However, from a commercial perspective the deal made good sense and we wish the JBBA the best of luck with him. I am sure he will continue to thrive at stud.”

Prophetically, Georges Rimaud, manager of the Aga Khan Studs, added: “We are sorry Makfi will not be coming back to Haras de Bonneval and he will be missed in France where he was represented by his first Group 1 winner in Make Believe. He was well supported by breeders and his legacy in Europe will be further enhanced by his forthcoming crops of runners.”

Born the very next year was Mkfancy, winner at the weekend of the Group 1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud from a pair of Ballydoyle challengers. The French-bred colt was stepping up from a maiden victory to land this Group 1 on just his third start. His is the first blacktype performer in three generations of his family, and the second winning produce of the Muhtathir (Elmaamul) mare Fancy Green.

That mare’s third dam Martingale (Luthier) bred two Group 1 winners, Mersey (Crystal Palace) who won the Prix Royal Oak, and Muncie (Sadler’s Wells), successful in the Prix Saint-Alary. Their unraced half-sister Mosaique Bleue (Shirley Heights) is dam of the Grade 1 winner Subtle Power (Sadler’s Wells).