The Jockey Club yesterday announced that the 2025 Betfred Derby will be run in honour of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV.
In a special tribute to the spiritual leader of the world’s Ismaili Muslims and one of the greatest philanthropists, who passed away on February 4th this year in Lisbon at the age of 88, the 246th running of the historic race will be named ‘The Betfred Derby (in honour of His Highness Aga Khan IV)’.
Surrey, England. June 4, 2016: His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV speaks with Queen Elizabeth II after his horse Harzand won the Derby on the second day of the Epsom Derby Festival. The Derby Day at the Investec Derby Festival was celebrating the Queen’s 90th birthday at Epsom Downs Racecourse. Image credit: AFP via Getty Images
“His Highness the Aga Khan’s enormous contribution to racing in Europe is one which spans not only decades but generations and we wanted to pay tribute to him in the most fitting way possible.
His famous silks were a familiar sight at Epsom Downs for more than 40 years and were worn by jockeys in some of the most famous renewals of the Derby of all time, from the breathtaking and record-breaking success of Shergar in 1981 to the very poignant moment in 2016 when Harzand’s victory equaled his grandfather’s total of five Derby winners.”
~ Jim Allen,
General Manager, Epsom Downs Racecourse
From the imperious record-breaking 10-length victory of Shergar in 1981 to Harzand’s victory in 2016, His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV won the Epsom Classic five times with homebreds, including Shahrastani (1986), Kahyasi (1988), and Sinndar (2000), who went on to win the Irish Derby and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. More recently, the Aga Khan also won last year’s Betfred Oaks with Ezeliya.
“My family and I are incredibly grateful to Epsom and The Jockey Club for running the race in honour of my father,” said Princess Zahra Aga Khan, who on Sunday received the trophy for the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches victrix Zarigana, an 11th generation homebred for the Aga Khan Studs.
UK, 1981: His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV leading Shergar after his win in the 1981 Epsom Derby. Image credit: Getty Images
“My family and I are incredibly grateful to Epsom and the Jockey Club for running the race in honour of my father.
The Derby is an iconic event that he deeply loved and winning it for the first time with Shergar brought him immense pride and joy.
It gave him the sense that the work his father and grandfather had accomplished with the breeding operation was being carried forward.
He eventually matched the record of my great-grandfather when Harzand secured his fifth Derby victory – a wonderful achievement.”
~ Princess Zahra Aga Khan
The 246th running of the race, which takes place at Epsom on June 7, will this year be run as ‘The Betfred Derby (in honour of His Highness Aga Khan IV)’.
Dublin, Ireland. December 4, 2024: The keynote Contribution to the Industry Award at the annual Horse Racing Ireland Awards in Dublin last night was awarded to His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV. and accepted on his behalf, by his daughter Princess Zahra Aga Khan. Minister Martin Heydon TD (C) presents the award to Princess Zahra Aga Khan (L) and her daughter Sarah (R). Image credit: Chris Bellew Fennell Photography/HRI
“I would like to thank the Aga Khan’s family for supporting us in our decision to rename this year’s race and look forward to welcoming Princess Zahra Aga Khan on Saturday 7th June as our guest.
We are also grateful to our sponsor, Betfred, for their help in making this possible and all of us at Epsom Downs Racecourse hope that we witness a race that is worthy of his memory next month.”
~ Jim Allen,
General Manager, Epsom Downs Racecourse
The late Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the world’s 15 million Ismaili Muslims whose name has became synonymous with success as a racehorse owner and breeder.
Derby Day was already going to be an occasion in which the late Aga Khan was celebrated. The ultimate Classic being run in honour of one of racing’s definitive figures would evoke recollections of his past champions and probably a grainy televisual montage featuring appreciations from the great and good.
It seems far more appropriate that there should be a runner in his green and red colours by way of memorial. Midak, however he fares on the track, can in his own small way contextualise some of the achievements of his owner-breeder. There is optimism poignant Betfred Derby runner Midak could prove an “unknown quantity” in his bid for Epsom glory on Saturday.
The Epsom Derby, now in its 246th edition, the unique horseshoe-shaped track can make or break the fortune of the sport’s future breeding stars. Run over a mile and a half, the race is the most important test of stamina and speed for a generation of three-year-old thoroughbreds.
Betfred Derby 2025 (In Honour of His Highness Aga Khan IV) (Group 1) – 1m 4f 6y 3.30 pm BST, Epsom Downs, Saturday, June 7th, 2025
Coverage: Commentary of the Derby on BBC Radio 5 Live, plus Friday’s Coronation Cup (14:40) and Oaks (16:00).
Racecards, results & reports on the BBC Sport website and app.
THE DRAW IN THE DERBY – DRAW WINS MOST RECENT 1. 5 City Of Troy (2024)
2. 0
3. 3 New Approach (2008)
4. 4 Sea The Stars (2009)
5. 6 Camelot (2012)
6. 3 North Light (2004)
7. 3 Anthony Van Dyck (2019)
8. 3 Golden Horn (2015)
9. 5 Harzand (2016)
10. 11 Auguste Rodin (2023)
11. 0
12. 3 Desert Crown (2022)
13. 2 Kahyasi (1988)
14. 4 Wings Of Eagles (2017)
15. 2 Sinndar (2000)
16. 0
17. 2 Empery (1976)
18. 1 Shirley Heights (1978)
19. 1 Royal Palace (1967)
Poignant Success
As of publishing this article and beginning of the 2025 racing season, a staggering record of 169 Group 1 races have been won by horses owned by His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV and Princess Zahra. Furthermore, these victories have been borne by a remarkable 100 individual Group 1 winning horses.
Horses campaigned by the Aga Khan have won the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe four times, the Irish Derby six times, the Epsom Derby five times, and other Group 1 races in countries including the Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, the UAE and the US.
Aiglemont, France: His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV surrounded by trophies. Image credit: Scoop Dyga
Since taking leadership of the Aga Khan Stud in 1960, Aga Khan IV transformed his operation into one of the most successful on the planet. His stud farms in Ireland and France became epicenters of genetic excellence, producing thoroughbreds that dominated the world’s most prestigious tracks.
The green and red colors of Aga Khan IV became synonymous with success at the world’s most prestigious racetracks, particularly in Europe. With numerous group race victories, his operation included 15 wins in the Epsom Derby and multiple triumphs in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, Irish Derby, Oaks, and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, among other classics.
The Aga Khan owned some of the sport’s true greats, most notably the legendary Shergar. He owned four other dual Epsom Derby (G1) and Irish Derby (G1) winners in Shahrastani (1986), Kahyasi (1988), Sinndar (2000), and Harzand (2016), and won the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1) four times with Akiyda (1982), Sinndar (2000), Dalakhani (2003), and the unbeaten Zarkava (2008).
Stateside, The Aga Khan won four editions of the Breeders’ Cup Turf as either an owner or breeder, starting with the race’s inaugural running in 1984 with Lashkari. He followed with Daylami and Kalanisi in 1998 and 1999 respectively, and he won again in 2020 with Tarnawa. His runners also found the winner’s circle in the G1 Beverly D. Stakes and the G1 Secretariat Stakes.
In 2009, Aga Khan IV was honored with the prestigious Eclipse Award in the United States, recognizing his global influence in racing and his contribution to excellence in breeding.
The Aga Khan was champion owner in France sixteen times, in Britain twice, and Ireland once. He was also champion breeder in France a dozen times and five times in Britain.
Champion Breeder in Britain: 1981, 1986, 1988, 1999, 2000
Cartier Horses of the Year Dalakhani (2003), Zarkava (2008)
List of Aga Khan Studs Group 1 winners 1960-2024
Aga Khan’s Famous Thoroughbreds
Shergar: Perhaps the most famous horse associated with Aga Khan IV. A winner of the Epsom Derby (G1) in 1981 by a record-breaking 10 lengths, Shergar became a legend. However, his tragic kidnapping and subsequent disappearance that same year marked a dark chapter in racing history.
Sinndar: In 2000, this exceptional thoroughbred achieved the coveted triple of the Epsom Derby (G1) , Irish Derby (G1), and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1), solidifying his place as one of the greats of the millennium.
Zarkava: Undefeated in her seven starts and winning five times in Group 1 company, including an unforgettable performance in the 2008 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, this mare is considered one of the greatest of recent history. She is descended from Mumtaz Mahal through the equally celebrated Petite Etoile. She went on to produce a top level-winning son in Zarak, who is now making his mark as a sire.
Earlier …
Grand Prix de Chantilly Renamed in Honor of His Highness the Aga Khan: A Legacy of Excellence
March 27, 2025: The Grand Prix de Chantilly, one of France’s most prestigious horse racing events, has been renamed to honor His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, celebrating his profound contributions to the equestrian world and the Chantilly region. His Highness’s dedication to preserving cultural heritage and promoting excellence in horse racing has left an indelible mark on the global equestrian community.
The entire racing industry is in mourning following the announcement of the passing of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV on Tuesday, 4 February 2025. The French racing world has lost one of its most admired ambassadors, who for decades worked passionately to promote French racing throughout the world.
In recognition of his significant contribution to French racing and the Chantilly region, the Grand Prix de Chantilly will be renamed in honor of His Highness the Aga Khan starting this year. In addition, a special tribute program will be set up during the two major days of the Qatar Prix du Jockey Club and the Prix de Diane Longines. This will be announced shortly.
Under his leadership, the Aga Khan Studs became one of Europe’s most successful racing and breeding operations, producing legendary champions and preserving historic thoroughbred bloodlines. His commitment extended beyond racing, as he played a pivotal role in revitalizing the Chantilly racecourse and its surrounding area, ensuring its status as a historic jewel of French horseracing.
The renaming of the Grand Prix de Chantilly serves as a tribute to His Highness’s enduring legacy, reflecting his vision of blending tradition with innovation and his unwavering support for the equestrian industry. This recognition underscores the profound impact of his contributions on both the sport and the cultural heritage of Chantilly.
Research, Translation, Insight & Perspective by A. Maherali
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March 27, 2025: The Grand Prix de Chantilly, one of France’s most prestigious horse racing events, has been renamed to honor His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, celebrating his profound contributions to the equestrian world and the Chantilly region. His Highness’s dedication to preserving cultural heritage and promoting excellence in horse racing has left an indelible mark on the global equestrian community.
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