The Aga Khan Studs joined the many tributes to Sir Michael Stoute, who has announced he will retire from training at the end of the season.
With a career spanning since 1972, Stoute’s impressive resume includes victories in every British Classic and numerous high-profile wins globally.
His most renowned charge was undoubtedly Shergar, trained for the Aga Khan. Shergar’s 1981 Derby win, ridden by the 19-year-old Walter Swinburn, remains a record-breaking achievement, with his 10-length margin still unmatched in the race's history since 1780.
Shergar also clinched the Irish Derby and the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes that season. However, his story took a tragic turn when he was abducted from Ballymany Stud in February 1983 by masked intruders. Despite numerous theories, including IRA involvement, Shergar's fate remains unknown as his remains were never found.
Stoute continued to achieve success with the Aga Khan’s colours, training Shahrastani, who won both the Derby and Irish Derby in 1986, and Doyoun, who captured the 2000 Guineas in 1988.
The Aga Khan Studs issued a statement, expressing their heartfelt wishes for Stoute’s retirement:
"Aga Khan Studs extend their warmest regards to Sir Michael Stoute as he prepares for a well-deserved retirement. Sir Michael trained for His Highness the Aga Khan from 1978 to 2006, achieving remarkable successes. Among these was the legendary Shergar, whose 10-length victory in the 1981 Derby remains unmatched. Shergar also won the Irish Derby and the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes under Sir Michael's guidance. Five years later, Stoute trained Shahrastani, another dual Derby winner. Other notable horses include Shardari, who won the International Stakes, Doyoun, who claimed the 2000 Guineas, Daliapour, winner of the Coronation Cup, and Kalanisi, who secured both the Champion Stakes and Breeders’ Cup Turf in 2000."
While Stoute’s career has been marked by many achievements, the image of Shergar’s unforgettable Derby performance in 1981, as he effortlessly pulled away from the field, will forever be a highlight of his legacy.