ENGLISH TEXTS teams that have been set up and trained by Georges Rimaud and Pat Downes in Ireland for over 20 years . We should also mention the management team , which includes Nemone Routh and Constantin de Lencquesaing , who work closely with the stable ’ s trainers and the studs . Another remarkable aspect to highlight is the environment the horses enjoy at His Highness ' s stud farms . Nature is key , with a focus on extensive grazing . Our horses benefit from large open spaces , which are essential for their proper development .
G . What role do tradition and innovation play within the Aga Khan Studs ?
The Aga Khan Studs is a century-old family breeding operation that has been cultivating its bloodlines for generations with the aim of breeding champions . Every step of the breeding process , particularly the first stages — the crosses — represents an innovation that still respects , or at least maintains , the tradition of the operation : breeding " Classic " horses .
G . What excites you about breeding ?
The horses and the people involved in the day-to-day work that keeps the dream alive . Being a breeder means being a dreamer . It ’ s very rewarding and motivating to always put everything into finding the best in each individual and helping both people and horses grow together .
G . What would be your ideal cross in 2025 within the breeding operation ?
It ’ s hard to answer because we ’ ve only just started ! But by 2026 , I hope to have the one that already excites me . A winner of the Oaks by Dubawi , with a grandmother by Galileo for Siyouni ! You know the mare ’ s name , don ’ t you ?! Siyouni injects a lot of speed and adds tremendous quality to his offspring . He ’ s capable of producing real champions each year and crosses exceptionally well with the bloodlines of Sadler ’ s Wells , allowing for highly sought-after inbreeding with Mr . Prospector and / or Danehill .
G . What are your biggest expectations in terms of breeding for 2025 and on the track for the Aga Khan colors ?
Zarigana , for example , is a daughter of Siyouni out of a Gr . 1 placed daughter of Zarkava , by Frankel . Even before her birth , we were already dreaming , so imagine now ! Once again , this cross follows the motto of breeding the best with the best to produce the best . Zarkava is again at the center of my expectations for 2025 , as the sons of Zarak that we are training are performing very well and are highly anticipated . I ’ m particularly excited about one foal in particular — a first product from a Listed-winning mare by Pivotal . Her grandmother is by Sea The Stars , and her third dam is by Sinndar . What could be better ?!
G . What foreign initiative has particularly impressed you ?
In Ireland , the respect for young horses during their education phase . The time , patience , and attention we give them , along with active listening . There is a very high level of professionalism and an ambition to always improve while cultivating humility .
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TRAINING
VICTORIA HEAD
By Serge Okey
Not everyone is fortunate enough to have a legendary jockey-turned-top trainer for a father , a grandfather who ’ s an icon , and an aunt who ’ s equally accomplished . Such is the stellar “ studbook ” of Victoria Head . Behind her regal first name lies a genuine dynasty boasting eleven Prix de l ’ Arc de Triomphe wins and an entire museum of Gr . 1 victories .
In Chantilly , at Haras du Quesnay , the youngest ( 28 years old ) of the saga was immersed in the world of horses from the start . “ I grew up on a pony and have always loved being around horses . Growing up in such an environment is an advantage . My father and aunt help me a lot . But carrying this name also comes with pressure — especially the pressure I put on myself to make my own name . It ’ s up to me to prove myself .”
Her memories are priceless , starting with the aptly named Marchand d ’ Or ( Prix Maurice de Gheest , 2006-2008 ) and of course , Goldikova . A former showjumper , she transitioned from trot to gallop over time , learning in the best environments : O ’ Brien , Fabre and even in Australia . Her blue-gray eyes light up as she recalls , “ Ireland ? Impressive . André Fabre ? Exceptional .”
All this heritage is invaluable . “ Today , my method is more refined . I ’ ve taken a bit from everyone . I love seeking advice from my family . My father and aunt had different training styles . My father focused more on speed and resilience , while my aunt , like Mr .
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