Star French stayer Vazirabad retired after stellar career

Time has been called on the career of leading French stayer Vazirabad.

Trained by Alain de Royer-Dupre, the seven-year-old grey gelding carried the colours of His Highness the Aga Khan to 15 victories from just 23 starts.

His career highlights include a hat-trick of wins in the Dubai Gold Cup at Meydan (2016-2018), back-to-back triumphs in the Prix Royal-Oak at Saint-Cloud (2015 and 2016) and victory in the Prix du Cadran at Chantilly two seasons ago.

Vazirabad filled the runner-up spot behind John Gosden’s all-conquering stayer Stradivarius in the 2018 Gold Cup at Royal Ascot on what proved to be his final competitive appearance.

A statement on www.agakhanstuds.com read: “It is with great regret that the Aga Khan Studs announce that Vazirabad will be retired from training following an injury sustained in training.

“The seven-year-old gelding had become a public’s favourite through his career, accumulating a total of 15 victories, including three Group Ones and 13 Group races. Another illustration of his remarkable talent and tenacity lies in the fact that he finished in the first two in 21 of his 23 starts.

“Rated best three-year-old stayer in France, Vazirabad made history when winning a third consecutive Dubai Gold Cup last year – and his outstanding record (also) includes two editions of the Prix Royal-Oak, three Prix Vicomtesse Vigier and two Prix Gladiateur.”

Royer-Dupre said: “He had a fantastic turn of foot. After his first two races, he understood what was expected of him and was incredibly generous and honest.

“He spent a long career at the Aiglemont training centre, and everybody in the team grew fond of him.”