The Shergar Derby silks, the green & red Aga Khan silks worn by Walter Swinburn when winning the 1981 Derby Stakes at Epsom Owned by H.H. Aga Khan, S
£5,000 - £8,000
The Shergar Derby silks, the green & red Aga Khan silks worn by Walter Swinburn when winning the 1981 Derby Stakes at Epsom Owned by H.H. Aga Khan, Shergar ranks high amongst the most famous racehorses of the 20th century. His 10 lengths win in the 1981 Derby remains the longest winning margin in the race's history. He went on to win the Irish Derby and the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes and was named European Racehorse of the Year. Having been retired to the Ballymanny Stud in County Kildare the stallion was stolen on the night of 8th February 1983 and held to ransom. Shergar was never seen again and is presumed to have been killed by the gang in one of the most notorious episodes in Turf history. These silks were donated by Sir Michael Stoute for an auction at an Injured Jockeys Fund dinner at the Grosvenor House in 1981. Sir Peter O'Sullevan was the auctioneer on behalf of the charity and they were purchased by the present vendor.