The daughter of one of the co-owners of the famous racehorse Shergar has revealed that the valuable stallion was brutally killed within 48 hours of being stolen. The theft of the renowned thoroughbred from Ballymany Stud farm in County Kildare, Ireland in 1983 remains shrouded in mystery. Princess Zahra Aga Khan disclosed that the demanded £2 million ransom could not be paid.

Suspicions mainly pointed towards the IRA as the perpetrators of the crime, involving a group of six armed individuals and the subsequent ransom demand. Princess Zahra Aga Khan explained that her father, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslims, declined to pay the ransom due to both practical and moral considerations.

“It is now known that the horse was tragically killed within two days of the abduction, in a horrific manner,” she stated. Princess Zahra clarified that her late father could not unilaterally meet the ransom demand as Shergar was collectively owned, requiring unanimous agreement from the syndicate members.

She recounted her father’s dilemma, mentioning that the Derby winner was not insured against kidnapping since such an eventuality seemed implausible. Additionally, the syndicated ownership structure complicated the decision-making process regarding the ransom. The ethical stance against funding potential harm to humans further reinforced their refusal to pay.

Princess Zahra also disclosed that Shergar met his untimely demise sooner than previously believed, emphasizing the unprofessional and cruel manner in which it was carried out. She lamented the undeserved fate of the stallion, known for his gentle nature, highlighting his significance as a symbol of Irish breeding and racing.

Despite extensive investigations, Shergar’s remains have never been located, and no party has officially admitted responsibility for the theft. The Aga Khan passed away at the age of 88 in 2025, leaving behind a lingering mystery surrounding the fate of the beloved racehorse.