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Prince Karim's passing marks end of an era as racing community mourns loss of influential figure
Racing is mourning the loss of one of its most influential figures following the death of His Highness the Aga Khan at age 88, who passed away peacefully in Lisbon on February 4, surrounded by family.
Taking the reins of his family's racing and breeding operation at just 23 in 1960, the Aga Khan transformed it into one of Europe's most successful enterprises. His first taste of success came at Longchamp when Istanbul and Charlottesville, both trained by Alec Head, delivered a memorable double. Charlottesville went on to become one of the world's best horses that year, claiming both the Prix du Jockey Club and Grand Prix de Paris.
The iconic green and red silks became synonymous with excellence, particularly through the remarkable Shergar, trained by Sir Michael Stoute. The colt's devastating 10-length triumph in the 1981 Gr.1 Epsom Derby under Walter Swinburn remains one of racing's most iconic moments, followed by victories in the Gr.1 Irish Derby and Gr.1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
The Aga Khan's Derby dominance continued with four other dual Derby winners: Shahrastani (1986), who followed his Epsom success with an eight-length demolition in the Irish Derby; Kahyasi (1988); Sinndar (2000), who became the only horse to complete the Epsom Derby, Irish Derby, and Arc treble; and Harzand (2016).
His breeding operation produced numerous champions, including the unbeaten Zarkava, trained by Alain de Royer-Dupre and ridden by Christophe Soumillon. She captured the 2008 Gr.1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, one of four Arc victories for the owner alongside Akiyda (1982), Sinndar (2000), and Dalakhani (2003).
Daylami proved another outstanding performer, winning the 1997 Gr.1 French Two Thousand Guineas in the Aga Khan's colours before being sold to Sheikh Mohammed's Godolphin operation. The grey went on to claim seven Group One races, including the Eclipse Stakes, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, and Breeders' Cup Turf.
Recent years saw continued success with Tahiyra, Alamshar, and Azamour all scoring at Royal Ascot. His most recent Group One successes came through Ezeliya in the 2024 Gr.1 Epsom Oaks, ridden by Chris Hayes, while Rouhiya claimed the Gr.1 French One Thousand Guineas in the same year.
In France, the Aga Khan supported trainers Francis Graffard, Mikel Delzangles, Jean-Claude Rouget, and until his retirement in 2021, Alain de Royer-Dupre. His French empire included Haras de Bonneval, Haras d'Ouilly, and properties in Saint-Crespin and Tupot, alongside being the majority shareholder of French auction house Arqana.
In Ireland, he established a powerful presence with Gilltown Stud, home to Sea The Stars, alongside Sallymount, Sheshoon, and Ballyfair Studs, working with trainers Dermot Weld and Michael Halford.
Christophe Soumillon served as his retained rider in two periods (2002-2009 and 2014-2022), with Mickael Barzalona currently holding the position.
His final winners came through a treble at Chantilly in December with Surabad, Candelari, and Cankoura, while Calandagan's victory in the Gr.2 King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot marked his last British success.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed said: "We offer our condolences to the world's Ismaili Muslims on the death of the Aga Khan. He was not only a great leader for his people, but a true friend and an equestrian who loved and understood horses deeply. Above all, he stood as one of the world's greatest philanthropists, whose life's work was dedicated to relieving the hopelessness of poverty and promoting human development, building bridges between communities and working tirelessly in the cause of peace."
Hugh Anderson, Managing Director of Godolphin (UK and Dubai), said: "It's very difficult to overplay the impact of the Aga Khan in racing, and we have lost a true icon of the sport. The success he enjoyed as an owner-breeder proved a great motivation to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, and racing played an important role in their enduring friendship. Our thoughts go to his family and the Ismaili Muslim community during this difficult time."
International Federation of Horseracing Authorities chair Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges said: "He was a great friend to global racing, as well as to our chairman emeritus, Louis Romanet. The IFHA was greatly honored by His Highness's delivery of the first keynote address at the International Conference of Horseracing Authorities in October 2011."
Baroness Dido Harding, senior steward of the Jockey Club, added: "His Highness the Aga Khan was a highly successful owner-breeder who made a huge contribution to horse racing. It is a tribute to him that his lasting legacy is not only a long and illustrious list of racehorses who won some of our sport's most prestigious races over many years, but also the equine families he bred and nurtured which have made and continue to make an indelible mark on the Thoroughbred as a breed."
Suzanne Eade, chief executive of Horse Racing Ireland, said: "We are greatly saddened to learn of the passing of His Highness the Aga Khan. His Highness was an iconic figure in the global racing industry. He was recognised the world over as a champion breeder and a champion owner and he made his mark in many countries, with Ireland playing a significant role in his family's renowned operation for over 100 years. On so many levels, Irish racing and breeding will forever be in his debt. We were honored to present His Highness with Horse Racing Ireland's contribution to the industry award last December."
Ascot's statement read: "We are deeply saddened to hear that His Highness The Aga Khan has died, and we send our condolences to his family. He enjoyed much success at Ascot with the great Shergar, as well as Alamshar, Azamour, Tahiyra and many others. His support of racing will be much missed."
The British Horseracing Authority said: "We are saddened to learn that His Highness The Aga Khan has passed away. A passionate and highly successful owner-breeder, he has left an indelible mark on our sport and the Thoroughbred breed. Those famous green and red silks have been carried to victory on the biggest stage and by some of our most illustrious names, notably Shergar's iconic record-breaking 10-length Derby success—the most memorable of the Aga Khan's five victories in the Epsom Classic."
Godolphin's statement concluded: "Godolphin is saddened to hear of the death of His Highness the Aga Khan, one of the greatest owner-breeders the racing industry has known. We send our condolences to his family."
The death of the Aga Khan marks the end of an era in international racing, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to influence the sport for generations to come.