Zarkava is retired unbeaten

Zarkava: Retired unbeaten

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The Aga Khan's unbeaten 'super-filly' Zarkava has been retired following her victory in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

Trained by Alain de Royer-Dupre, the daughter of Zamindar won all seven races she contested, five of which came at the highest level.

She sprang to prominence by winning the Prix Marcel Boussac as a two-year-old before going to win the French Guineas and Oaks and the Prix Vermeille.

But victory in the Arc was her crowning moment, when, taking on the colts and older horses for the first time, she weaved her way through the field under a confident Christophe Soumillon before beating last year's runner-up Youmzain by two lengths.

"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," said the owner, who revealed that she will be covered by Dalakhani early in 2009.

Exceptional fillies

"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.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the people employed at my Irish and French studs for their remarkable work.

"Without their tireless dedication, we would not be able to breed and race champions like Zarkava, Sinndar, Azamour and Dalakhani.

"Furthermore, Alain de Royer-Dupre, Christophe Soumillon and the staff at Aiglemont Training Centre must be applauded for their admirable work in producing Zarkava at the top of her form for all of her seven wonderful races."

De Royer-Dupre said that he expects the filly to be a resounding success in her new career.

"As a trainer, it is normal to feel some disappointment at her retirement," said the Chantilly handler.

"But I understand that it is important for the valuable continuation of the Aga Khan's breeding operation.

"It is not very often a horse like this comes along - I have been very lucky.

"She is possibly the best I have trained, but Dalakhani was also a great horse to have.

"Zarkava has been a beautiful story. She is going to be a wonderful prospect at stud."