France Galop pays tribute to His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV 1936 - 2025
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.
Guillaume de Saint-Seine, Chairman of France Galop, pays tribute to this major figure in the horseracing industry : « We were saddened to learn this morning that we have lost a true lover of France and in particular of Chantilly, the cradle of French horseracing.
It is thanks to the determination and commitment of His Highness the Aga Khan IV that Chantilly and its surrounding area has once again become the historic jewel it deserves to be and that the reputation of its racecourse extends far beyond our borders. Thanks to his commitment and enthusiasm, the famous colours of HH the Aga Khan have continued to write history in the racing and breeding books of our sport.
Throughout his life, Prince Karim Aga Khan played a pivotal role in the horseracing industry, whether it was his horses carrying his legendary silks to victory or as a breeder of champions.
On behalf of France Galop, Elie Hennau, Chief Executive Officer, and Henri Pouret, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, as well as the France Galop employees and all those involved in the racing industry, I would like to extend my most sincere condolences to his daughter Princess Zahra Aga Khan, with whom he shared his passion for racing, as well as to his family and friends and to all the staff members working at his yards and studs.»
Biography
Following the death of his father, Prince Aly Khan, in 1960, he chose to embrace the European family tradition started by his grandfather His Highness the Aga Khan III. Although not a racing or breeding specialist , as he often pointed out, he surrounded himself with the best professionals to create one of the most successful racing and breeding operations in the world.
His famous colours, green with red epaulettes and a green cap were carried with great pride by the jockeys. They were successful in nearly 160 Groupe 1 races in France and around the world, thanks to unforgettable champions like Zarkava, Shergar, Dalakhani, Sinndar... He also left an indelible mark on the European breeding industry with leading sire Siyouni and more recently Zarak.
Racing fans who have followed the success of his legendary colours, as well as those who crossed paths with him in the mornings at the Chantilly training track or at the racecourses, will have fond memories of a discreet man, available despite his many obligations and capable or rising to the most extraordinary challenges.
France Galop will soon be organising a tribute to His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV at one of its racecourses.