Racing: Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe heroine Zarkava has been retired to stud. The brilliant three-year-old filly bows out at the top after recording an unbeaten seven-race sequence.
Owner, the Aga Khan, said: "While no-one will regret more than my management team and I not to see Zarkava race again, we have decided to retire her to the Aga Khan broodmare band as she will be an invaluable asset to this essential part of our activity."
The three-year-old daughter of Zamindar had earlier this month stormed to a two-length victory in the Arc — her fifth Group One triumph.
However, after protracted discussions between the Aga Khan's management team and Zarkava's handler, Alain de Royer-Dupre, the decision was taken not to keep her in training next term.
The Aga Khan added: "The quality and youth of our broodmare band is of the utmost importance to ensure we remain breeders of racehorses capable of performing at the top level.
"The Aga Khan studs have produced three exceptional fillies in three consecutive years: Mandesha, Darjina and now Zarkava."