Prix d’Ispahan renamed Prix Aga Khan IV (Prix d’Ispahan)

PRESS RELEASE                                                                         Thursday, April 2, 2026

Prix d’Ispahan renamed 

Prix Aga Khan IV (Prix d’Ispahan)

In tribute to His Highness the Aga Khan IV, who passed away in February 2025, the France Galop Board of Directors have decided to rename the Prix d’Ispahan the Prix Aga Khan IV (Prix d’Ispahan). 

Guillaume de Saint-Seine, President of France Galop, said : “It was the wish of France Galop, in consultation with the Aga Khan family, that one of the Group 1 races in the French racing calendar, the Prix d’Ispahan, should now bear the name of the late His Highness the Aga Khan IV, so the racing world will remember this remarkable figure. His impact on racing and breeding has been immense and this prestigious race will preserve his memory for years to come.”This decision was taken in consultation with the Aga Khan Studs and the Aga Khan family. One of the most influential owners and breeders in the history of the sport, His Highness the Aga Khan IV shaped the world of Thoroughbred breeding and racing at the highest international level over several decades. He had a particular affinity with France, and especially with Chantilly, and he played a decisive role in the standing and prestige of French racing. 

In agreement with the European Pattern Commitee, this wording, with Prix d’Ispahan in brackets, will be maintained for three years. The race will then be named ‘Prix Aga Khan IV’.

A historical and sporting link with the Prix d’Ispahan

The Prix d’Ispahan was chosen for this tribute as it reflects the historical link between the Aga Khan dynasty and ancient Persia. The first edition of the race in 1873 was held to mark an official visit by the Shah of Persia to Paris, and the race was named in reference to the ancient Persian capital. 

Princess Zahra Aga Khan said: “My family and I are very honoured by the initiative of France Galop. Renaming the Prix d’Ispahan the Prix Aga Khan IV will be a fitting and lasting tribute to his memory, as well as to his lifelong dedication to breeding and racing in France. It is all the more symbolic that this honour is associated with a race my father won six times and which therefore holds a unique place in the history of the Aga Khan breeding operation.”

Indeed, horses carrying the Aga Khan colours have won this race six times for His Highness the Aga Khan IV: Jour et Nuit III (1964), Silver Shark (1966), Zeddaan (1968), Sendawar (2000), Valixir (2005) and Sageburg (2008).

Held each spring at ParisLongchamp, the Prix d’Ispahan (Group 1, the highest level of competition) is open to horses aged four and above and is run over the unusual distance of 1,850 metres, creating a rare clash between specialists over the mile (1,600m) and middle-distance horses (2,000m). It often produces spectacular finishes between these champions, partnered by the world’s best jockeys. 

2026 renewal included in the new ‘JeuXdi des Champions’ on 21 May 

For this year’s running of the Prix Aga Khan IV (Prix d’Ispahan), France Galop will introduce a new experience to Paris’s leisure offerings, combining a top-level sporting program with the lively atmosphere and open-air evenings of the well-known JeuXdi by ParisLongchamp.

On Thursday, 21 May 2026, at the ParisLongchamp racecourse, a new themed fixture – the ‘JeuXdi des Champions’ – will offer spectators the chance to experience the intensity of top-level horse racing in the unique atmosphere of the JeuXdi evenings. The race meeting, which will begin around 16:00, will feature three Group races: The Group 1 Prix Aga Khan IV (Prix d’Ispahan), the Group 1 Prix Vicomtesse Vigier and the Group 3 Prix du Palais Royal.

By offering a particularly strong sporting programme as part of the 2026 JeuXdi season, France Galop is reinforcing its ambition to attract and retain new audiences. Drawn by the intensity of exciting battles towards the finish-line and the beauty of the horses competing at this elite level, spectators will be able to experience all the emotion of horse racing. The ‘JeuXdi des Champions’ will also delight racing enthusiasts, who will share a unique experience with the broader public, combining sport at the highest level with a festive evening out. 

To attend the ‘JeuXdi des Champions’, book your tickets on the France Galop official ticketing website : billetterie.france-galop.com

Press contact France Galop

Héléna Dupuy – hdupuy@france-galop.com – Tel. : 06 30 41 85 89