Rayif

2023 ch. c. Sea The Moon - Rayisa (Holy Roman Emperor)

Trained by Francis-Henri Graffard

The year-younger half-brother to Stakes winning sprinter Rayevka, Rayif is by Sea The Moon out of Listed winner Rayisa.

Rayif made a successful juvenile debut in July at Deauville, winning with a bit in hand having been supplemented for the race following impressive work at home.

His next start was in Group company, as he was stepped up to seven furlongs in the Gr.3 Aga Khan Studs Prix François Boutin. This he won by two and a half lengths, prompting his trainer to suggest the Gr.1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère as his end of season target.

The smart chestnut did indeed head next to ParisLongchamp. Here he finished third behind the much more experienced Puerto Rico and Nighttime, confirming himself as an exciting Group 1 prospect.

Indeed, Rayif made his 2026 debut at the highest level, in the Gr.1 Poule d’Essai des Poulains. Despite softer ground than he would like, he showed a great turn of foot to sprint ahead of the likes of Puerto Rico, winning the race by a length.

"I wasn't sure he would stay the distance, but Francis [Graffard] thought that he would, and he did – very well,” said a jubilant Princess Zahra Aga Khan, who had earlier celebrated the win of Rayif’s half-sister Rayevka in the five-furlong Group 3. 

“It turns out his older sister is a sprinter and he can get a mile. It's an absolutely lovely day for that family.

“Francis was certainly concerned about the ground. It's been raining and he's shown that he's versatile on that front as well. He certainly has the speed to get through the ground, even today.”