Yesterday brought the news that racing has lost one of its biggest supporters. Having been a permanent fixture on the racing scene since taking charge of Aga Khan Studs in 1960, Prince Karim, Aga Khan IV has died at 88.
The Aga Khan Studs broke the news in a statement, which read:
“It is with profound sadness that the Aga Khan Studs shares news of the passing of His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV at the age of 88.”
The much-loved owner, breeder, and leader of 20 million Nizari Muslims died peacefully, whilst surrounded by his loved ones in Lisbon.
A 20-year-old Aga Khan IV succeeded to his position following the death of his grandfather, Aga Khan III, in 1957, and achieved great things in the realms of politics, economics and business during his lifetime. Likely to be remembered for many reasons by many different people, to racing fans, he will be forever associated with the wonderful exploits of runners in those famous green and red silks.
An Owner-Breeder Powerhouse
The Aga Khan owned several renowned breeding farms, including properties at Saint-Crespin, Tupot, and Haras d’Ouilly in France and the Gilltown, Sallymount, Ballyfair, and Sheshoon Studs in Ireland.
From that base of operations, and with the support of renowned trainers such as Dermot Weld and Alain de Royer-Dupre, the Aga Khan took the European racing scene by storm. He enjoyed particular success in France, where he was the Champion Owner on 16 occasions and racked up a dozen Champion Breeder titles. Also a regular sight in British and Irish Winners’ Enclosure, he won the British Champion Breeder award five times and claimed the Irish Champion Owner title on one occasion.
The Greatest to Carry the Green and Red Silks
In his final year as an owner, the Aga Khan picked up 20 victories at Listed level or above, including two Classics, courtesy of Rouhiya in the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches and Ezeliya in the Epsom Oaks.
In claiming those prestigious Group 1 events, the French and Irish fillies joined an illustrious list of top-tier performers in the green and red silks over the years, headlined by the following quintet.
Shergar
Comfortably the most famous Aga Khan-owned runner of them all and one of the most famous racehorses of all time. Shergar enjoyed a sensational Classic campaign, with a record-breaking 10-length rout in the Epsom Derby preceding wins in the Irish Derby and King George VI Chase.
However, it is what came following his racing career that ensured Shergar’s place in racing folklore. Having been retired to take up stud duties at Ballymany Stud in Ireland, Shergar was kidnapped at gunpoint from his box on the 8th of February 1983. A ransom was demanded and never paid, the perpetrators remain unknown, and Shergar was never seen again.
Zarkava
Undoubtedly the Aga Khan’s greatest ever filly. The homebred Zarkava was unbeaten during an electric seven-race career, including wins in the Prix Marcel Boussac, the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches, the Prix de Diane, the Prix Vermeile, and a glorious two-length success in the 2008 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
Thankfully, her story has a happier ending than that of Shergar. Enjoying a second career as a broodmare, Zarkava has produced the Listed winners Zaykava and Zarkamiya and 2017 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud champ Zarak.
Sinndar
This brilliant son of Grand Lodge was all but unstoppable in 1999/00. Hailing from the yard of John Oxx, Sinndar won seven of eight career starts, including a quartet of Group 1 affairs. Too good for Sakhee and Beat Hollow in the Epsom Derby, he followed up in the Irish Derby before seeing off Montjeu, Raypour, and Volvoreta in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
Alamshar
Hitting the track during a golden age which featured High Chaparral, Hawk Wing, Soulamani, Dalakhani, and others, this Key Of Luck colt more than held his own. Following a gallant third in the Epsom Derby, he went on to conquer high-class fields in the Irish Derby at the Curragh and the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes.
2003 Irish Derby – Alamshar
pic.twitter.com/eWtDkjjqbE— History of Horse Racing (@horsevault) February 5, 2025
Tarnawa
Whilst not quite up to Zarkava’s mighty standard, this Dermot Weld-trained filly did very little wrong in a career which saw her earn over £3.4m at the track. A winner of nine of 18 races, she enjoyed a golden four-year-old campaign in 2020, when picking up a Group 1 hat-trick in the Prix Vermeille, the Prix de l’Opera, and the Breeders’ Cup Turf.
In summing up the impact the Aga Khan had on the sport of horse racing, the statement released by Aga Khan Studs perhaps said it best.
“He has left an indelible mark on the global equestrian community, with a legacy of excellence that will continue to inspire generations to come.”