Ismaili.NET - Heritage F.I.E.L.D.

In a special tribute to the spiritual leader of the world’s Ismaili Muslims and one of the greatest philanthropists, who passed away on February 4th this year in Lisbon at the age of 88, the 246th running of the historic race will be named ‘The Betfred Derby (in honour of His Highness Aga Khan IV)’.

Jim Allen, General Manager of Epsom, commented: “I would like to thank the Aga Khan’s family for supporting us in our decision to rename this year’s race and look forward to welcoming Princess Zahra Aga Khan on Saturday 7th June as our guest.

Before becoming part of folklore, or reduced to a shabby punchline, Shergar was one of the finest racehorses of the last half-century.

A tragic mystery due to his kidnapping by the IRA in 1983, it can get overlooked how revulsion surrounding such a grotesque act was bound up in the impact the colt made on the wider public consciousness doing what he was bred to do.

Saturday’s (June 5, 2021) 242nd Epsom Derby is the 40th anniversary of Shergar turning racing’s Blue Riband into an unparalleled rout.

His Highness The Aga Khan receives winner's trophy from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Epsom 2016-06-05

Hazar Imam interviewed at Epsom Derby 2018

Queen Elizabeth presents His Highness The Aga Khan with the Investec Derby Trophy 2016-06-04

The Aga Khan homebred Harzand moved to the lead in mid-stretch of the Investec Epsom Derby (Eng-I) and fought off a challenge from Us Army Ranger to win the 1 1/2-mile classic June 4 at Epsom Downs.

Jockey Pat Smullen picked up his first Epsom Derby win after delivering a well-timed move, opening a clear advantage when passing Idaho in midstretch, and then fending off runner-up Us Army Ranger, the 7-2 favorite, for a 1 1/2-length victory in the £1,545,000 ($2.25 million) classic, the most lucrative race ever run in Great Britain.