‘In a Class of His Absolute Own’: Tributes Flow for HH Aga Khan IV

[Wandering Eyes]

It is plain to see that the Aga Khan Studs are in excellent hands, but the passing of His Highness the Aga Khan IV nevertheless signals the end of one of the most significant chapters in the long and storied history of Thoroughbred breeding.

During his 65-year tenure at the head of the Aga Khan Studs, he presided over a prolonged period of growth, both in the stature and size of the operation, which was consolidated and expanded by the acquisition of stock from other major breeders. Those included Francois Dupre, Marcel Boussac, Brook Holliday and Jean-Luc Lagardere, with the purchases of their respective operations adding, over time, some 450 horses to the Aga Khan's existing bloodstock.

The Aga Khan Studs celebrated its centenary in 2022 and today the operation numbers five stallions, 160 broodmares and their young stock spread across 556 hectares in France and 980 hectares in Ireland. The 220 horses in training are split between Francis-Henri Graffard, Mikel Delzangles, Dermot Weld and Johnny Murtagh. Michael Halford, who is also on the roster, announced his imminent retirement from training on Tuesday.

The Aga Khan's broodmare band would be the envy of any bloodstock operation and its strength stems from the deep foundations on which his Thoroughbred empire has been built. His bloodlines, through careful selection and dispersal, also play an influential role in many other broodmare bands around the globe.

The more commercial element of the Aga Khan Studs – its stallion roster – could hardly be in better shape. While Sea The Stars (Ire), bred by the Tsui family's Sunderland Holdings, remains a potent force at Gilltown Stud, all four stallions at Haras de Bonneval, the headquarters of the French side of the operation, are homebreds. They are headed by the leading sire in France, Siyouni (Fr), who is being given increasing competition by Zarak (Fr), a son of the breeder's adored Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Zarkava (Fr), herself a ninth-generation descendant of Mumtaz Mahal (GB). The latter, as one of the original yearling purchases in 1922 by Aga Khan III, has not only been a cornerstone of the operation from its inception but remains one of the most influential broodmares in the history of the sport.

Champion breeder ten times in France and five in Britain, leading owner in both those countries as well as Ireland, Aga Khan IV was inducted into the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association Hall of Fame in 1997. His horses won 38 European Classic races among 162 Group 1 victories, including two in 2024, when Ezeliya (Fr) won the Oaks a few weeks after the success of Rouhiya (Fr) in the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches. Though impressive, the numbers tell only half the story.

What is more telling is the regard in which the Aga Khan Studs and the man himself are held. The heartfelt words of appreciation below from some of those who worked closely with His Highness speak to his dedication to the betterment of the breed and, most importantly, his magnanimity in defeat – something which all involved with the turf, no matter how great or small that involvement, must endure. 

All those who have followed racing for some time will have their favourite Aga Khan horse and will look upon those famous silks as an emblem of class and quality. Long may that continue.

Tributes to His Highness the Aga Khan IV

Pat Downes, manager of the Irish Studs for the Aga Khan for the last 27 years, said, “It's obviously a day of reflection. We have some great memories of some wonderful horses, but also of working for a truly great man.

“He was gracious when he won and he was gracious when he didn't and it's something I personally always admired, the manner in which he faced victory and defeat. Gracious is exactly the right word.

“I became very aware over the years spending time with him that one of the things that he was proudest of was the generations of his family, going back to his grandfather, [and] that the operation has survived and thrived. And we'd like to think it's in a very good place today, because of him and the way he guided us to look after the things that he felt were most important to the longevity of the operation, which was completely through the broodmares. He always felt they were the core from which everything else came – our brief was always to look after the broodmares and the families.”

He added of the Aga Khan's daughter, “[Princess] Zahra has been involved for as long as I've been here and she is very passionate about the business as well. She too shares that sense of history and longevity and she too is very proud of where the operation is today – and we certainly look forward and hope to continue in the same vein.”

 

His Highness the Aga Khan IV at Aiglemont | Scoop Dyga

 

Francis-Henri Graffard was first sent horses by the Aga Khan Studs in 2019 and took over the training at the famed Aiglemont stables in Chantilly in 2022 on the retirement of Alain de Royer Dupre. He trained the Aga Khan's most recent Classic winner in France, Rouhiya (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), and he has under his care Calandagan (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}), one of the top-rated horses in the world last year, as well as Classic prospect Zarigana (GB).

Graffard said, “I had a very long meeting with the Aga Khan four years ago when they were thinking about what to do about Aiglemont, and for me that was just an unforgettable day in my life, to sit in a living room with him and have a chat about racing and the future. 

“As a racing fan from an early age I read Courses et Elevage and obviously the Aga Khan silks and himself were just like heroes for me.”

He continued, “In my first year in training I won the Prix des Chenes with Pearl Flute, beating a two-year-old of the Aga Khan, and I remember I was talking to the press after the race in the paddock at Longchamp and he walked behind me with Alain de Royer-Dupre. He stopped and patted my shoulder and he said, 'Very good job, young man, well done.' I was not expecting it and I called my parents and said to them that it was like I had been touched by God. I was so happy.

“I have really seen since I started training how people really love his racing colours. Whoever they are – the big owners to the smallest owners or punters – the racing fans really love the green and red colours, and the Aga Khan himself.”

Kirsten Rausing, speaking on behalf of the International Thoroughbred Breeders' Federation, said, “It is very hard to sum up such a magnificent achievement. Comparisons are odious but one would have to think that with what the present Aga has achieved, he is certainly in a class of his absolute own.

“He was a figure of utmost importance and had a quiet influence, not only on racing and breeding but on the improvement of the integrity of the sport. He had immense success using stallions who were not necessarily at the top of the tree commercially but often whose best produce he had bred, such as Sinndar, by Grand Lodge. The strength of his broodmare band was unparalleled and, built up over 100 years, was replenished by the occasional block purchase.

“The entire international Thoroughbred breeding industry stands in awe at the achievement of HH Aga Khan IV, attained over decades of dedication, professionalism and enthusiasm.”

She added, “The Aga Khan's Thoroughbred bloodlines dominate and influence breeding the world over. On a personal note, I am immensely grateful to have been able to purchase Alruccaba as a two-year-old in 1985, from whom stem the Lanwades-bred champions Alborada, Albanova and Alpinista.”

Alain de Royer-Dupre, who trained for the Aga Khan at Aiglemont from 1983 until his retirement in 2021, said,  “I have great admiration for His Highness because he worked so hard and had so many other responsibilities. He was passionate about the racing but he was especially a breeder. As an owner-breeder he was interested that I identify the level of each horse. 

“He was a visionary and he was so far ahead. He was easy to work with because he would only take a decision once he had all the information to hand and it would never be done without careful thought.”

John Oxx, who trained the Classic winners Sinndar (Ire) and Alamshar (Ire) for the Aga Khan, said, “He was an easy man to train for, he was always realistic, his geese were never swans. He had hopes, of course, like every owner and breeder. He hoped for a top horse every year, but there were plenty of years he didn't have top horses, like everybody, but he always expected that. He was hopeful rather than expectant.”

He added, “To be that successful over decades takes an awful lot of effort. It is very difficult and not many people can keep at it for that long. It wasn't by accident.”

 

On Les Aigles, Chantilly, with Nemone Routh and Mikel Delzangles | Scoop Dyga

 

Johnny Murtagh said, “I have fond memories riding for His Highness the Aga Khan and we had some great days together. It was a privilege to ride in those silks and more recently to be a part of the team of trainers. Of all the great days we had together, I suppose Sinndar winning the Derby was up there with the best of them because that race meant a great deal to His Highness. To go on to win the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe on Sinndar was another special day. 

“We've enjoyed some success for His Highness since we started training, notably when Shartash won the Railway Stakes at the Curragh. It's just a very sad day for racing. He made a massive contribution to Irish racing in particular and played a massive role in my career as a rider and a trainer.”

Guillaume de Saint-Seine, chairman of France Galop, said, “It is thanks to the determination and commitment of His Highness the Aga Khan IV that Chantilly and its surrounding area has once again become the historic jewel it deserves to be and that the reputation of its racecourse extends far beyond our borders. Thanks to his commitment and enthusiasm, the famous colours of HH the Aga Khan have continued to write history in the racing and breeding books of our sport. 

“Throughout his life, Prince Karim Aga Khan played a pivotal role in the horseracing industry, whether it was his horses carrying his legendary silks to victory or as a breeder of champions.

“On behalf of France Galop, Elie Hennau, chief executive officer, and Henri Pouret, deputy chief executive officer, as well as the France Galop employees and all those involved in the racing industry, I would like to extend my most sincere condolences to his daughter Princess Zahra Aga Khan, with whom he shared his passion for racing, as well as to his family and friends and to all the staff members working at his yards and studs.”

Christophe Soumillon, who was the retained jockey for the Aga Khan Studs between 2002-2009 and 2014-2022, said, “He was much more than an exceptional owner: he changed my life. Always present, in times of success as well as in difficult times, he also shared precious moments of my personal life. 

“I will forever remember the pride of having worn his legendary green jersey with red epaulettes, the one that allowed me to live my greatest dreams and reach the height of competition around the world.

“In 2009, when my original riding contract was not renewed, he encouraged me not to give up. He reminded me that other jockeys had gone through the same ordeal and that this should become a strength, a new source of motivation. With kindness, he assured me that our collaboration would continue and that there were still great things to accomplish together. His Highness was much more than an employer, he was a true protector. 

“His legacy will remain imperishable.”

On social media, a post from Coolmore described the Aga Khan as a “True visionary and breeder extraordinaire”. It continued, “European racing will be forever in your debt. RIP.”

A statement released by the Aga Khan Studs read, “Everyone at the Aga Khan Studs, in Normandy, in Chantilly and in Ireland, send their sincere condolences to the family of His Highness the Aga Khan following his passing on 4 February 2025. 

“For 65 years, His Highness has been at the head of his family's breeding and racing operation, which is today one of the most prestigious in Europe. Guided by his passion for horses and the sport of horseracing, he has carefully developed and shaped his studs and bloodlines in a quest for excellence, whilst also playing a pivotal role in supporting the wider racing and breeding industries. 

“His memory will endure at the Aga Khan Studs through the horses he has bred and the families he has nurtured. Working under the direction of His Highness has been an honour and a privilege for all staff at his stud farms in Ireland and France and at the Aiglemont training centre, who benefit from his legacy of excellence that will continue to inspire for generations to come.”

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