The daughter of one of the owners of the stolen racehorse Shergar has disclosed that the famous stallion was killed within 48 hours of being abducted. The theft of the legendary thoroughbred from the Ballymany Stud farm in County Kildare, Ireland, in 1983 remains shrouded in mystery. Princess Zahra Aga Khan revealed that the £2 million ransom demanded could not be met.
The Irish Republican Army (IRA) were the primary suspects in the heist, involving six armed individuals and a subsequent ransom demand. Princess Zahra Aga Khan stated that her father, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslims, refused to pay the sum due to practical and ethical considerations.
Detailing the tragic fate of the horse, Princess Zahra stated, “We now know the horse was killed within two days of being taken, in a cruel manner.” She explained that her father could not pay the ransom alone as Shergar was owned by a syndicate, necessitating unanimous agreement.
In an interview with Telegraph Sport, Princess Zahra recalled her father’s dilemma, noting that the horse was not insured against kidnapping due to the unlikely prospect of such an event. She emphasized the challenge of reaching a consensus among the syndicate members on how to proceed. Additionally, she highlighted her father’s stance against funding activities that could harm human lives.
Revealing new details, Princess Zahra disclosed that Shergar met his demise sooner than previously believed, describing the act as unprofessional and brutal. She expressed sorrow over the treatment of the gentle stallion, emphasizing his significance as a symbol of Irish breeding and racing.
Despite extensive investigations, Shergar’s remains have never been discovered, and no party has officially taken responsibility for the theft. The Aga Khan, who passed away at the age of 88 in 2025, left behind a lingering mystery surrounding the fate of the beloved racehorse.