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reland had to settle for a three-way share of second place in the Longines FEI Nations Cup at Dublin Horse Show yesterday where it was the team from Mexico who were waving at the finish after a brilliant second round performance saw them seize the initiative from their hosts and romp to a first ever Aga Khan triumph.

It was heartache for Ireland in the RDS as Mexico prevailed in a jump-off to claim their first-ever Aga Khan trophy.

THE Aga Khan proved the saviour of the Irish Derby, the annual showcase of the Irish Racing year at the Curragh last weekend.A decision to run both his unbeaten Champion, the French trained Dalakhani winner of six races including the French Derby and the John Oxx trained Alamshar, third in the Epsom Derby saw the Aga Khan gain a 1 - 2 in the 1.3million euro contest and equal the record of his grandfather of five victories in the Irish Derby when Alamshar prevailed by half a length.

Alamshar won the Irish Derby by half-a-length from favorite Dalakhani at The Curragh on Sunday to end the French Derby winner's unbeaten record and deliver a home victory for jockey Johnny Murtagh and trainer John Oxx.
Alamshar, who was third in the Epsom Derby, and Dalakhani, unbeaten in six outings before Sunday's race, were left to battle it out as the furious pace left the field trailing with the two horses running neck-and-neck two furlongs from home.

With Dalakhani in stunning form, the Aga Khan, right, is bound to make his mark at the Irish Derby. But, reports Paul Wheeler, it's breeding not buying that motivates himIrish Derby day is always a vibrant occasion but this year green may prove to be the predominate colour. There will be the olive-and-red silks of the Aga Khan carried by Dalakhani and Alamshar, the first two in the betting for the country's premier Classic.

Racing: Alamshar and Murtagh end Dalakhani's perfect record Irish Derby: Aga Khan's runners leave Ballydoyle contingent toiling but it is his locally trained colt who outguns the favourite from France