THOROUGHBRED breeders, since the dawn of racing, have dreamt of the perfect broodmare, one who continuously produces talented stock, that increase her value and grow her page.

Most breeders you ask would be happy to own a mare that produces just one Group 1 winner in her lifetime. Without digressing into statistics, the chances of breeding such a winner are comparable to being struck by lightning. If you’re broodmare wasn’t a successful racehorse, these chances grow even more miniscule.

I do not wish to diminish the achievements of Hasili or Chaldee [dams of five Group/Grade 1 winners each]. In fact, Hasili would stand on a pedestal of her own if Dansili hadn’t finished agonisingly short in no less than five Group 1 races.

Hasili was a listed winner, and Chaldee would couple a stakes performance with four wins in her career.

No breeder could’ve imagined what Eight Carat would go on to achieve when she failed to even place from her five career starts.

Though I am tempted to romanticise her as a gross underdog, I must admit that in spite of a lack of ability on the track, Eight Carat was impeccably bred. Her half-sister Habibti was a not only a Group 1 winner herself, but also the dam of Group 1 winner Morshdi.

Where I grow sentimental is that Eight Carat not only produced champions, but she would unknowingly shape the Australian racing landscape that we know today.

All of Eight Carat’s sons would stand at stud. Special mention here goes to Kaapstad, who would sire 40 individual stakes winners in his time at Windsor Park Stud. However, Eight Carat’s legacy lies with Octagonal and his greatest son, Lonhro. ‘Occy’, as Octagonal was affectionally known, would go on to win 10 Group 1s for the Ingham brothers who built a dynasty on poultry and thoroughbreds.

The first foal of Octagonal’s first crop would not only cement their dynasty further, but capture the imagination of the Australian public through a number of gutsy wins before siring no less than 13 Group 1 winners of his own. Those who loved him still ask, how did Lonhro win the Australian Cup in 2004?

Down under

When Sheik Mohammed saw fit to expand down under in 2008 by buying the Ingham’s operation for an estimated A$500 million, it was Lonhro, Darley Australia’s head of stallions Alastair Pulford would say, who was one of the keys behind the deal.

Since then, Godolphin’s expansion in Australia has had a significant impact on the racing landscape in the country. Not only have they won numerous prestigious races, the Melbourne Cup, Cox Plate and Golden Slipper to name a few, their success and investment has brought international attention to Australian racing and helped raise the profile of the sport globally.

Australia today boasts one of the healthiest racing industries globally with regard to involvement and prizemoney. This is in no small part a consequence of Godolphin’s continued investment in its racing, breeding and staff.

Eight Carat died in 2000, aged 25, at Sir Patrick Hogan’s Cambridge Stud, and is buried alongside Sir Tristram with whom she shares so much success.

While there are arguments to be made for all the blue hens in terms of their ability to change the lives of their breeders, there is no doubt that Eight Carat would change the life of a nation.

The greatest breeders ever

THE Aga Khan family has been involved in horse racing for many generations, dating back to the early twentieth century when the Aga Khan III moved to Ireland on the advice of his friend, Colonel William Hall Walker. He made his first purchase at Tattersalls in July 1921.

This marked the beginning of the Aga Khan empire, which His Highness Aga Khan IV, his grandson, continues to develop today.

Their passion and commitment to the sport has spanned several decades, establishing a legacy of excellence through the development of a rigorous breeding programme based on respect for both horse and nature, aiming to produce racehorses of the highest quality.

The Aga Khan has always taken great care in selecting and breeding his horses, taking into account factors such as bloodlines, conformation, and performance potential.

The Aga Khan’s deep understanding of horse genetics, coupled with a relentless pursuit of breeding excellence, has consistently yielded horses renowned for their exceptional talent and remarkable accomplishments on the racecourse.

Throughout the ages, many of them have left an indelible mark on the history of horse racing, such as the unbeaten Zarkava (Prix Marcel Boussac, Poule d’Essai des Pouliches, Prix de Diane, Prix Vermeille, Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe), a descendant of Petite Étoile (1000 Guineas, Oaks and Champion Stakes), and also related to Blushing Groom, but above all to one of the most influential mares in thoroughbred breeding today, Mumtaz Mahal.

All of these horses carry the unique DNA of the Aga Khan breeding tradition, inheriting prestigious bloodlines that were created decades ago.

In addition to their individual breeding achievements, the Aga Khan’s impact extends to the broader horse racing community. The production of top-class stallions has been a key component of their success. Notably, numerous family members have gone on to become influential stallions, such as Kahyasi, Sinndar, Darshaan, Azamour, and Dalakhani. These stallions have not only achieved notable successes on the racetrack, but have also left a lasting imprint on the Aga Khan breeding operation through their offspring.

Their contributions have augmented the Aga Khan’s legacy, ensuring its longevity and further enhancing their status as premier horse breeders. The success continues to this day with the rise of Siyouni and Zarak on the international stage.

The Aga Khan family’s commitment to horse racing goes beyond the pursuit of personal success. They have made significant investments in the sport across Europe, including the creation and maintenance of racecourses, training facilities, and breeding operations. This commitment has contributed to the development and growth of the horse racing industry as a whole.

When considering these remarkable factors, such as their exceptional accomplishments, extreme longevity in the sport, rigorous breeding methods, and broader impact on horse racing, it is clear that the Aga Khan family is one of the most successful and influential horse breeders of all time. Their strong pursuit of excellence has shaped the industry and set an unmatched standard for all.

Profound impact on thoroughbred industry

AGA Khan III, known for his wisdom, established an operation that has had a profound impact on the thoroughbred industry. Building upon his success as the leading owner in India, he aspired to make his mark on racing globally. His fascination with the British racing scene began when he attended Epsom in 1898. The pivotal moment came about in 1921 at the Newmarket Tattersalls July sale, where he purchased his first European yearling, marking the beginning of his breeding journey.

Over the following years, he acquired several females. Among them was a notable filly named Teresina, who achieved remarkable success by winning four races, including the Goodwood Cup. Her greatest contribution, however, was giving birth to Theresina, who secured Aga Khan III’s first Irish fillies’ classic as an owner-breeder.

Motivated by these victories, Aga Khan III continued to thrive in Europe, in particular when Cos won the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Upon the Aga Khan III’s death in 1957, Prince Aly Khan assumed control of the operation and went on to become the first owner in Britain to surpass £100,000 in winnings within one racing season. His Highness the Aga Khan has successfully led the operation since the 1960s, preserving the strength of the breeding operation. With a consistent roster of mares and a steadfast commitment, the operation has thrived.

One of their most prominent fillies was Petite Etoile, who recorded victories all but two of her 16 runs, including the Epsom Oaks and 1000 Guineas. Petite Etoile later proved her worth as an exceptional broodmare, producing Zahra and other notable offspring. The Aga Khan’s unwavering faith in his mares remains unshaken. Understanding the unique qualities and potential of each individual mare, he continues to nurture their bloodlines.

Impossible

While it would be impossible to cover the extensive success in detail, it is worth mentioning Zarkava, who, when covered by Dubawi, gave birth to Zarak. This exciting stallion, boasting impeccable breeding, now stands at the Aga Khan’s Haras de Bonneval, representing a valuable asset for the operation.

The Aga Khan’s legacy spans bloodlines cultivated over many years, showcasing their profound knowledge and expertise in horse breeding. Their mastery is evident in the creation of extraordinary horses. A documentary titled A Game of Chess with Nature, based on the Aga Khan’s accomplishments, serves as a testament to their in-depth understanding and ability to breed exceptional racehorses, particularly from their own mares.

It is through this unwavering dedication and expertise that they have earned their esteemed reputation as one of the greatest breeders in the industry.