An interesting snippet from the Leinster Leader of 1938 telling of a visit by the Aga Khan

 

AGA KHAN’S BRIEF IRISH VIST

 

INSPECTS HIS CURRRAGH STUD

 

The Aga Khan (H.H Aga Sultan Sir Mahomed Shah) paid one of his rather rare visits to this country on Sunday last, the main object of his brief stay being an inspection of his famous Stud Farms at Sheshoon and Ballymanny, The Curragh. Arriving at Dun Laoighaire on Sunday morning, he left Dublin by car a few hours later for the Curragh, being accompanied by his secretary Miss Blain, and Col. T. G. Peacocke (Director of Sheshoon and Ballynanny Studs). At Sheshoon the party was joined by Mr. N. W. Waddington (Assistant Director) and an exhaustive tour of the Studs followed. His Highness was, perhaps, most keenly interested in the yearlings paraded for his inspection- a splendidly bred and practically priceless lot- and he was obviously delighted with the abundant promise they displayed. When he viewed the wonderful batch of brood mares in residence he was, of course, renewing acquaintance with many animals who, in their racing days had carried his colours to victory over the elite of their day and who have since produced performers that have, in their turn, made Turf history. His highness again expressed his pleasure at the present obvious well-being of his old favourites.

At the conclusion of the tour of inspection the Aga addressed an assemblage of the entire working staffs of his Curragh estates. He thanked them most heartily for the good work which all had done since his previous visit. It was that work, he said, which made possible the success of the Stud, and he was confident that he could rely upon each and every one of them for a continuance of the excellent work of the past.

His Highness then moved among the men, showing his keen interest in their welfare by kindly queries to each. As he was about to leave, obviously pleased with workers gave him three hearty cheers all he had seen and heard, the assembled Acknowledging the compliment smilingly, His Highness, in his turn, called for cheers for Col. Peacocke, a request which met with a ready and hearty response