The Aga Khan Studs got off to a good start for the weekend when the 3 YO fillies Khalafa & Halawanda won competitive maiden races today. The first to get off the mark was the previously unraced College Chapel filly Khalafa, trained in France by Alain de Royer Dupre. Taking control of the one mile contest after a furlong, Khalafa kicked for home with an impressive turn of foot two furlongs out, immediately creating a two length advantage over her rivals. Prolonging her effort to the winning line under a hands and heels ride from Christophe Soumillon, Khalafa impressed many of the spectators present.

Out of the placed Akarad mare Khaladja, herself a half sister to Group III Meld Stakes winner Khalafiya, Khalafa is from the direct family of dual Derby winner and successful sire Kahyasi.

Halawanda completed a double on a good afternoon for the Aga Khan Studs, with an impressive victory in a competitive maiden at Newbury. Taking the lead soon after the start of the race, Halawanda lengthened well in the straight to win by a comfortable two lengths without being stretched.

Oaks entry Halawanda prompted the following comments from Aga Khan Studs’ manager after the race: “She’ll probably come on a lot for that and although we’ll have to talk to Sir Michael Stoute I should think on the basis of that win we’ll be thinking about one of the recognised Oaks trials.”