Hitting the century is an achievement to celebrate. In fine style, the Aga Khan Studs marked its 100-year anniversary with the release of the feature-length film entitled “A Game of Chess with Nature,” which follows the cycle of the breeding seasons at the farms and also their racing exploits from their training centres in both Ireland and France.
Exploring the history of the operation from its foundation by the Aga Khan III in the 1920s through the successes of Prince Aly Khan in the 1950s, the film examines the origin story from the first-half of the twentieth century. The past traces its development by H.H. the Aga Khan and Princess Zahra Aga Khan, together with some of the household names, that directed the breeding operations over the decades.
Feature interviews are highlights with both His Highness and the Princess, plus perspective from the likes of farm and racing managers Pat Downes, Georges Rimaud and Nemone Routh, and also trainers, jockeys, and other industry figures. Unique archive and behind-the-scenes footage provides the backdrop for a story of one of the most important stallion centres in the world.
The film was directed by Fanny Hubart-Salmon and Dimitrie Iordanesco, and can be viewed at www.agakhanstuds.com/film.
For more on the Aga Khan Stud operation see the following stories from TDN's Emma and John Berry:
https://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/a-century-of-excellence/
https://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/a-century-of-excellence-part-ii/
https://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/a-century-of-excellence-part-iii/
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