Shergar was a Thoroughbred racehorse, bred in Ireland and owned by the Aga Khan IV. He is widely considered one of the greatest racehorses of all time, having won the Epsom Derby by a record 10 lengths in 1981. But did Shergar ever lose a race? In this article, we will look into that question and examine the record of this legendary horse.
Shergar’s Early Success
Shergar was born in 1978, and his early racing career was off to a great start. He won his first race, the Ballysax Stakes, by five lengths in 1979. He went on to win the National Stakes, the Beresford Stakes, and the Phoenix Champion Stakes, all of them by impressive margins. He ended 1979 with a perfect record of four wins from four starts.
Shergar’s Epsom Derby Win
Shergar’s biggest success came in the 1981 Epsom Derby. He won the race by a record 10 lengths, a margin that has never been beaten in the Derby. His winning time of 2 minutes 37.8 seconds was also a record, which still stands today. Shergar’s victory was so impressive that it earned him the title of “Horse of the Century”.
Shergar’s Other Major Wins
After the Epsom Derby, Shergar went on to win the Irish Derby and the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. He finished second in the St. Leger Stakes, but won his next two races, the Benson and Hedges Gold Cup and the Jockey Club Stakes. He ended his racing career with eight wins from 11 starts.
Shergar’s Retirement
Shergar was retired from racing in 1982, at the age of four. He went on to become a successful sire, siring the winners of more than 40 races. He died in 1983, at the age of five, after succumbing to a severe bout of colic.
Did Shergar Lose a Race?
So, did Shergar ever lose a race? The answer is yes, Shergar did lose once in his 11-race career. It happened in the 1982 St. Leger Stakes, where Shergar finished second to the French horse, Key to the Mint.
Shergar’s Racing Legacy
Shergar’s legacy as one of the greatest racehorses of all time is secure. He won eight of his 11 races, including the Epsom Derby by a record 10 lengths. He was also a successful sire, siring the winners of more than 40 races.
Shergar’s Status in Popular Culture
Shergar has become a cult figure in popular culture, with books, films and songs devoted to his story. He is remembered as one of the greatest racehorses of all time, and his Epsom Derby win is still talked about to this day.
Shergar’s Death and Aftermath
Shergar’s death in 1983 was a huge blow to the racing world. He was kidnapped and never seen again, leading to a huge investigation. His death is still shrouded in mystery, and the details of what happened to him remain unknown.
Conclusion
Shergar was one of the greatest racehorses of all time, winning eight of his 11 races, including the Epsom Derby by a record 10 lengths. He did lose once, in the 1982 St. Leger Stakes, but this does not detract from his legacy as one of the greatest horses of all time. His death in 1983 was a tragedy and his story continues to be remembered today.