The late Aga Khan, a legendary figure in horse racing, passed away at 88, leaving behind a legacy marked by both triumph and tragedy. His most celebrated victory came with Shergar's record-breaking Epsom Derby win in 1981, but the horse's subsequent kidnapping by the IRA in 1983 casts a long shadow over his achievements.
The late Aga Khan , a prominent figure in the world of horse racing , has passed away at the age of 88. Known for his iconic green and red racing silks, the Aga Khan bred and owned numerous champions over six decades. One of his most celebrated victories was Shergar 's emphatic triumph in the 1981 Epsom Derby , a race he won by a staggering 10 lengths.
However, Shergar's career was tragically cut short when he was kidnapped from the Aga Khan's Ballymany Stud in Co Kildare, Ireland, in February 1983. The kidnappers, believed to be members of the Provisional IRA, held Shergar's stud groom, James Fitzgerald, at gunpoint before forcing him to lead the stallion into a waiting horsebox. Fitzgerald was then released after being given a code word that the kidnappers planned to use in negotiations. Despite a Garda investigation and attempts to negotiate with the kidnappers, Shergar was never seen again, and his fate remains a mystery to this day. Over the years, various accounts from former IRA members have emerged, suggesting that the kidnapping was poorly conceived from the start. These accounts claim that the gang members, lacking experience handling a high-strung thoroughbred stallion, panicked and shot Shergar shortly after his abduction. They allegedly buried him in remote mountains near the border. The loss of Shergar, a magnificent Derby winner and promising sire, was a significant setback for the Aga Khan. He had bred and owned five Derby winners in total, including Shahrastani (1986), Kahyasi (1988), Sinndar (2000), and Harzand (2016). The Aga Khan also achieved success in other prestigious races, claiming four Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe victories, including the brilliant Zarkava in 2008.The Aga Khan's legacy in racing extends beyond his own achievements. He built upon the success of his father and grandfather, who were also prominent figures in the sport. His daughter, Princess Zahra Aga Khan, is an enthusiastic owner and breeder, adding to the family's rich racing history. While the Aga Khan faced controversies throughout his career, such as the disqualification of Aliysa for a positive drug test in the 1989 Oaks, his passion for breeding and racing thoroughbreds remained unwavering. He expanded his racing and breeding operations in France and Ireland, focusing on producing exceptional horses that would continue to carry his family's name in victory. The Aga Khan's death marks the end of an era in horse racing, leaving behind a legacy of success, controversy, and enduring passion for the sport
News Aga Khan Shergar Derby IRA Kidnapping Horse Racing Racing History Epsom Derby Prix De L'arc De Triomphe
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The Aga Khan, spiritual leader whose riches enabled horse racing glory, dies at 88Prince Shah Karim Al Husseini’s family’s engagement with Ireland’s equine industry spanned three generations
Read more »
Racing owner-breeder the Aga Khan has died aged 88The latest sports news from The42.ie in 60 seconds
Read more »
Shergar case 'still open' following Aga Khan's death at the age of 88It's an Irish mystery stretching back more than 40 years
Read more »
Wrexham's McClean Involved in Single-Car Accident Before 'Hollywood Derby'Wrexham winger James McClean was involved in a single-car accident on his way to training, prompting medical checks. The incident occurred before a key match against Birmingham City, drawing attention due to the presence of A-list celebrity owners at both clubs.
Read more »
Cardiff Claim Biggest South Wales Derby Victory in Nearly 60 YearsCardiff City secured a resounding 3-0 victory over rivals Swansea City in the Sky Bet Championship, marking their biggest league win in the South Wales derby since 1965. Callum Robinson's brace in the second half and Dimitrios Goutas' thunderous header sealed the emphatic triumph for the Bluebirds.
Read more »
Katie McCabe Trolls Tottenham Fans After Arsenal's North London Derby VictoryArsenal women's star Katie McCabe playfully mocked Tottenham Hotspur fans on social media after Arsenal's 2-1 win in the North London Derby. The Irish captain shared a photo of the scoreboard, capturing a frustrated Ange Postecoglou on the sidelines.
Read more »