The famous racing colours of Shergar, the legendary racehorse who was kidnapped and never found, are set to make a poignant return at Royal Ascot this year. The Aga Khan's green and red hooped silks, which Shergar wore when winning the 1981 Derby by a record 10 lengths, will be carried by a horse named Shergar's Legacy in the King Edward VII Stakes.
Shergar's Tragic Story
Shergar was kidnapped from the Aga Khan's Ballymany Stud in County Kildare, Ireland, in February 1983. Despite a ransom demand of £2 million, the horse was never recovered, and it is believed he was killed shortly after the abduction. The case remains one of the most mysterious and heartbreaking episodes in racing history.
Return of the Colours
The decision to bring back the colours was made by the Aga Khan's grandson, Prince Rahim Aga Khan, who said: "It is a fitting tribute to Shergar's memory and his incredible achievements. We hope that seeing these colours again will bring joy to racing fans and remind them of the greatness of this horse."
Shergar's Legacy, a three-year-old colt trained by John Gosden, will be ridden by Frankie Dettori. The horse is considered a strong contender for the race, which takes place on the second day of Royal Ascot.
Royal Ascot 2026
Royal Ascot, one of the highlights of the British social and sporting calendar, runs from Tuesday 16 June to Saturday 20 June. The meeting features eight Group One races, including the Gold Cup, the Queen Anne Stakes, and the King's Stand Stakes.
Fans are eagerly anticipating the appearance of Shergar's colours, which have not been seen on a racecourse since the horse's disappearance. The Aga Khan's stable has not used the colours in major races since then, out of respect for Shergar's memory.
Other Highlights
- The Queen's horse, Reach For The Stars, will run in the Royal Hunt Cup.
- Defending champion Stradivarius is set to compete in the Gold Cup.
- American sprinter Golden Pal will aim for the King's Stand Stakes.
Royal Ascot is known for its fashion and pageantry, with attendees dressing in formal attire and elaborate hats. The event attracts over 300,000 visitors over five days.
For horse racing enthusiasts, the return of Shergar's colours is a nostalgic moment that connects the present with one of the sport's most iconic figures. Shergar's Legacy will carry the hopes of many as he parades in the famous silks.
