Wednesday 5 February 2025
It is with profound sadness that the Aga Khan Studs shares news of the passing of His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV at the age of 88.
He passed away peacefully in Lisbon on 4th February 2025, surrounded by his family.
His Highness the Aga Khan was aged 23 in 1960 when he assumed leadership of the racing and breeding operation established by his grandfather in 1921, continuing a great family tradition of horsemanship.
Thanks to his vision, direction and dedication, the Aga Khan Studs has grown to become one of the most prolific owner-breeders of racehorses in Europe. His famous green and red silks have been carried to victory in over 160 Group 1 races, including by such celebrated names as Blushing Groom, Shergar, Sinndar, Darshaan, Dalakhani and Zarkava. His Highness has 20 Owners championships and 15 Breeders championships to his name, and most recently enjoyed success with 2022 European Champion 3YO Colt Vadeni, 2023 European Champion 3YO Filly Tahiyra, and 2024 Classic winners Rouhiya and Ezeliya.
Today his stud farms in Ireland and France are home to five stallions, as well as a homebred broodmare band of around 160, with many of these females direct descendants of foundation mares purchased in the 1920s. H.H. the Aga Khan also secured the future of many historic thoroughbred bloodlines when purchasing the bloodstock operations of renowned breeders François Dupré, Marcel Boussac, Brook Holliday - successor to the late Major Lionel Holliday - and Jean-Luc Lagardère.
Beyond his own operation, H.H. the Aga Khan participated actively in the support of the racing and breeder industries by sponsoring such seminal events as the Ciga Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend from 1988 to 1993, and also through his involvement in redeveloping the historic racecourses at Chantilly and The Curragh. His Highness was also a key shareholder in leading bloodstock sales houses Arqana and Goffs.
His Highness the Aga Khan has left an indelible mark on the global equestrian community, with a legacy of excellence that will continue to inspire generations to come.
His daughter Princess Zahra Aga Khan has been actively involved in the Aga Khan Studs since the 1990s and was represented by her first winner, Daralbayda, in 1996. She currently leads the management team in charge of the running of the Aga Khan Studs.
