Statement on the passing of His Highness the Aga Khan

Racenews

5 February, 2025

Godolphin is deeply saddened by the passing of His Highness the Aga Khan at the age of 88.

One of the most influential figures in the history of horseracing, the Aga Khan was a titan of the sport as both an owner and a breeder. His green and red silks were synonymous with Champions of the turf, with Shergar, Shahrastani and Zarkava featuring among numerous outstanding horses over the past 65 years.

proved to be another Champion, winning the Poule d’Essai de Poulains in 1997 before being purchased by Godolphin at the end of his three-year-old season. He continued to showcase his brilliance as an older horse, posting six more top-level victories including the Eclipse Stakes, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes and Irish Champion Stakes.

Crowned the world’s best racehorse, Daylami provided Godolphin with a first success at the Breeders’ Cup, easily taking the 1999 Breeders’ Cup Turf. His family’s influence continues to be witnessed at Godolphin, with half-brother Dalakhani a broodmare sire of current stallions and , both Champion racehorses themselves in Europe and Japan and now Darley stallions.

The impact of the Aga Khan’s meticulous management of bloodlines can also be seen with , who has made a superb start to his stallion career at Dalham Hall Stud. The son of is a grandson of Darara, winner of the Prix Vermeille and part of a great family that includes Darshaan and Daliapour.

Godolphin has enjoyed great success with horses bred to the Aga Khan’s stallions. Brilliant miler , a son of Darshaan, won the 2,000 Guineas and Queen Elizabeth Stakes during a sensational 1996 campaign. , who was bred to the same stallion, graduated to G1 honours of her own in the 2003 Prix Vermeille.

Support for the Aga Khan’s Studs continues to this day, with Siyouni responsible for , and exciting three-year-old , and flying the flag for Gilltown resident Sea The Stars.

The Aga Khan provided significant backing to Darley stallions and two sons of Dubawi from illustrious families, Zarak and Erevann, currently stand at his studs. Brilliant racemares Tarnawa () and Ezeliya (Dubawi) have also shone for the operation in recent years.

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.”