ZAKIYYA is a beautifully bred filly with great quality. She is by leading French sire Siyouni (FR) and the first foal of Zerkela (FR) who hails from the family of European Horse of the Year Zarkava (IRE); as well as the Champion 2YO and 3YO filly in France. ZAKIYYA was offered for sale by the Aga Khan Stud at the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast yearling sale under the Arrowfield Stud banner and we were delighted to secure the filly. She was very popular when being syndicated given her interesting pedigree and it was terrific to see her enter the winners circle on Friday at Newcastle.

ZAKIYYA jumped smartly from barrier three and jockey Kerrin McEvoy adopted a forward position early in the 1,400 metres race before slotting the filly into third position behind the leading pair as they travelled at a genuine gallop which suited our filly. Approaching the turn for home, a run presented along the fence and Kerrin guided ZAKIYYA into this line as she worked through her gears to take the lead with 100 metres to the post, successfully holding her rivals at bay. Kerrin was very complimentary of the filly post-race, commenting that she “feels like a horse who will appreciate further in time once she fully learns her craft”. He added that she is a progressive 3 year old filly “destined for better races”.

The filly’s name comes from a Swahili name meaning “Intelligent”. It was put forward by her ownership group in keeping with the filly’s female line as all progeny names begin with the letter Z.

Congratulations to the winning ZAKIYYA owners Raelene Glasgow, David Meldrum, Barry Johnston, Paramount Racing (Manager: Kathryn Wood), Boeara Holdings (Manager: Denise Dunphy), Martin Ive, Rachel Ive, Cockram Racing IV (Manager: Billy Cockram), Shane Hatton, Michael Hatton, Leon Mugavin, Martin Chong, CGO Racing.