Monday 30 June 2003
Running in the colours of the Aga Khan’s grandfather, Alamshar, eventually finished half a length up on the previously unbeaten Prix du Jockey-Club winner Dalakhani.
Winning jockey, Johnny Murtagh, settled his mount in fourth position behind Dalakhani during the early part of a race run at an astonishingly fast early pace. Coming out of the bend Alamshar was racing level with the son of Darshaan’s quarters, as the two leaders faded away and Dalakhani hit the front. Dalakhani still appeared to be travelling smoothly, but Alamshar dug deep inside the final furlong overhauling Dalakhani at the line.
Winning a record fifth Irish Derby, a delighted Aga Khan commented: “They are two high class colts with somewhat different attitudes and they have both run excellent races. Alamshar likes really good ground, like he had today.”
John Oxx added: “It was wonderful to see such a battle between the two horses. Dalakhani was a worthy favourite and he’s a great horse. I didn’t really expect Alamshar to beat him, but my horse has tremendous courage. I thought he’d run like that at Epsom but he didn’t. Had he done so, I think he’d have won. He will go for the King George.”
Dalakhani lost nothing in defeat, having chased the leaders for much of the race, and battled on courageously all the way up the straight. His Highness The Aga Khan noted after the race: “Dalakhani has been beaten for the first time but that does not diminish him in any way. Very few great horses remain unbeaten. We will probably put Dalakhani away for an Autumn campaign and the Arc looks a logical target.”
