The impressive winner of the Indian Turf Invitation Cup, Temerity propelled once again the Aga Khan Studs into the limelight in India, a country with which the family of the Aga Khan has enjoyed a rich association for centuries.

As Princess Zahra Aga Khan recalled during her Opening Speech at last January’s Asian Racing Conference in Mumbai, horses belonging to her great great great grandfather were successful in India in the 19th century. The activity continued into the 20th century with successes notably in the Indian Oaks, four Viceroy’s Cups and seven Eclipse Stakes.

In 2017, the talented filly Temerity is ensuring the Aga Khan Studs bloodlines are once again to the fore in India. Indeed, the daughter of Narmina (Alhaarth) and Intense Focus won the Poonawalla Indian Oaks at the beginning of the year, before going on to beat the colts in the prestigious Gr.1 Indian Turf Invitation Cup at Bangalore. Trained by Pesi Schroff and ridden by Neeraj Rawal, the four-year-old scored by two and three quarter lengths, in a record time of 2’28’’85 for the mile and half course.

Temerity was purchased in utero at Goffs Breeding Stock Sale in 2012, when her unraced dam changed hands for €9,000 . A half-sister to Group 3 victrix Narwala (Darshaan), who is the dam of four Stakes winner, Narmina has also produced Group 1 placed Narniyn (Dubawi).

During the same feature weekend at Bangalore, the Aga Khan Studs-bred sire Arazan saw his son Bold Command (ex Indian’s Feather) lift the Gr.2 Suresh Mahindra Multi-Million Trophy. An Anabaa half-brother to Azamour, the Group 2 winning and Group 1 placed Arazan was exported to India for his stallion career, where he is enjoying great success.