One of Irish racings longest standing patrons, the Aga Khan, has died at the age of 88.
The spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslim community around the world he was the 49th to hold the title when he succeeded his Grandfather at the age of 20.
The succession is believed to stretch back in a direct line to the prophet Mohammed.
The Aga Khan Foundation is one of the world’s biggest philanthropy organisations.
His horse racing empire has always been based in Ireland at Ballymany Stud in Kildare.
His most famous horse was Shergar, hailed as one of the greatest winners of the Epsom and Irish Derbies but kidnapped from the stud in 1983 and never seen again.
The Aga Khan was a major contributor to the redevelopment of the Curragh Racecourse in recent years. His Grandfather had gifted the Aga Khan Trophy, centrepiece of the Dublin Horse Show, to the RDS in 1926 as a gesture og gratitude for his engagement with Ireland.
Paying tribute to HH the Aga Khan, Suzanne Eade, CEO of Horse Racing Ireland, said:
“We are greatly saddened to learn of the passing of HH the Aga Khan. His Highness was an iconic figure in the global racing industry. He was recognised the world over as a champion breeder and a champion owner and he made his mark in many countries with Ireland playing a significant role in his family’s renowned operation for over 100 years.”
“On so many levels, Irish racing and breeding will forever be in his debt. We were honoured to present His Highness with Horse Racing Ireland’s Contribution to the Industry Award last December. We hope that recognition went some way towards acknowledging his immense contribution, wonderful generosity and unwavering support of our industry for so many years.”
The keynote Contribution to the Industry Award at the annual Horse Racing Ireland Awards in Dublin last December was awarded to the Aga Khan, and accepted on his behalf by his daughter.
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For a man who had every reason to exit Ireland in the 1980’s he was one of the most supportive and stalwart benefactors for the Irish Racing Industry and Kildare. His successor has already been named as Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V and it can only be hoped they will share his Father’s love of the sport and of Ireland.
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