The Aga Khan, one of the most successful owner-breeders in the history of horse racing, died peacefully on Tuesday in Lisbon. He was 88.
He owned and operated large racing and breeding operations in France and Ireland. He was also a significant shareholder in sales companies Goffs and Arqana.
His Irish base is Gilltown Stud in Kilcullen, currently home to stallion Sea The Stars.
Among the many top-class horses to race in his colours were Zarkava and Sinndar, both winners of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in 2008 and 2000 respectively. Harzand was a dual Derby winner for him in 2016.
He is perhaps best known to many non-racing people as the owner of 1981 dual Derby winner Shergar. The horse was kidnapped from Ballymany Stud in 1983 and never returned.
In recent years the Aga Khan has been infrequently sighted on the racecourse and represented instead by his daughter, Princess Zahra Aga Khan.
The Aga Khan was the spiritual leader of about 12 million people from the Ismaili sect of Islam.
A statement issued on Tuesday evening by the Aga Khan Development Network said: "His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV, 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), passed away peacefully in Lisbon on 4 February 2025, aged 88, surrounded by his family.
"Prince Karim Aga Khan was the founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network. The announcement of his designated successor will follow.
"Leaders and staff of the Aga Khan Development Network offer our condolences to the family of His Highness and to the Ismaili community worldwide. As we honour the legacy of our founder, Prince Karim Aga Khan, we continue to work with our partners to improve the quality of life for individuals and communities across the world, as he wished, irrespective of their religious affiliations or origins."
A comprehensivel tribute to the Aga Khan will appear in The Irish Field next weekend.
