THE Aga Khan will have horses in training with Michael Stoute next season for first time since 1990, when he withdrew his horses from England following the controversial disqualification of his Alisya after she had won the 1989 Epsom Oaks.
Stoute, who trained both Shergar and Sharastani to win both the Epsom and Curragh Derbies for the Aga Khan, is to be sent five yearlings before the end of the year.
From 1990 until last year, when he sent yearlings to be trained at Newmarket by Luca Cumani, the Aga Khan divided his horses between Alain du Royer-Dupre in France and John Oxx in this country. They will again be his principal trainers next season, with de Royer-Dupre receiving 53 yearlings and Oxx 32. Cumani will train 14.
In announcing his decision to have horses in training with Stoute again next season, the Aga Khan said: "I am particularly happy to see my colours carried again on English racecourses. The win in Yarmouth two weeks ago, by the Luca Cumani-trained Mandilak, registered my first winner since returning to British racing. Michael Stoute's appointment will further strengthen my presence in British racing. I am happy at our renewed relationship."
On hearing confirmation that his yard would benefit from a return of the owner's patronage, Stoute said: "I am delighted at the Aga Khan's decision to send me yearlings this year.
"While the initial numbers are small, in my conversations with the Aga Khan quality was a more important consideration than quantity. My staff and I greatly look forward to the renewal of our association with His Highness after an absence of six years."
:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/YVIRIOZQ35EWRPZXR27KGMO6YU.png)