The Arc heroine is awarded highest rating of any filly over the past decade. Zarkava is officially the best filly in the world for the past season after the Aga Khan’s daughter of Zamindar was awarded a rating of 128 in the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities’ World Thoroughbred Rankings. The last filly to achieve such a high figure was Bosra Sham (131) in 1997, while Miesque’s rating of 132 twenty years ago was the most recent time that a French filly reached such heights. During her spectacular career Zarkava remained unbeaten in seven outings, taking in the French fillies’ triple crown of the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches, the Prix de Diane and the Prix Vermeille before her regal performance in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Zarkava was judged champion juvenile filly in Europe in 2007 and was elected Cartier and the Racehorse Owner’s Association’s Horse of the Year in 2008.

Zarkava’s stablemate Montmartre, who was sidelined after his Grand Prix de Paris victory, also impressed the international panel and he was rated among the best horses in the world with a figure of 125. Aga Khan Studs’ sires Dalakhani and Sinndar were also represented at the same level, with Dalakhani’s St Leger and Breeders’ Cup Turf-winning son Conduit and Sinndar’s tough Youmzain both earning ratings of 125.

Updated on 15th January 2009