Racing: Aga rates Sinndar as highly as Shergar
Monday, 2 October 2000 10:18Following Sinndar's great victory in yesterday's Prix de l'Arc Triomphe, his owner, the Aga Khan, has said he is as great as the legendary Shergar. Sinndar beat the odds-on favourite Montjeu into fourth place in the prestigious race, with outsider Egyptband coming second and Volvoreta third. The three-year-old made history in becoming the first horse to complete the treble of the Vodafone Derby, Irish Derby and Arc, and the Aga Khan described him as "exceptional" after the race. When asked if he was as good as Shergar, he replied: "You would have to say so. I have to consider him now among the very best I have ever seen".
Irish jockey Johnny Murtagh was thrilled with Sinndar's performance. "That was a great win today, it's been a long time since Ireland won the Arc. He's everything I thought he was and I was never worried at any stage of the race," exclaimed Murtagh as he waved the tricolour in triumph. Trainer John Oxx was also impressed with the horse. "Every time this horse runs you get a better feeling. He is a great horse who has improved all year," he said.
It now remains to be seen if Sinndar will continue in training. The Aga Khan or his grandfather have never kept any of their Derby winners in training after they reached four years of age. However, Sinndar could be the exception and discussions on this prospect will be held later this week.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
