Thursday 13 November 2003
Long recognised as the outstanding horse of 2003, Dalakhani swept the board, taking not only the three year old colt of the year award, but also the overall title for Horse Of The Year.
Dalakhani, a Darshaan half brother to fellow Gilltown resident Daylami, was the highest rated two year old colt in France in 2002, taking the Group I Critérium International.
His career at three reached phenomenal heights, with a total of eight wins out of nine career starts, including the Group I Prix du Jockey-Club and Prix Lupin, and culminating in his sensational victory in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
His only defeat came in the Irish Derby at the hands of subsequent King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes winner Alamshar, also owned and bred by the Aga Khan Studs and nominated for the Cartier award.