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SARGA.CO — His name may not be as famous as Secretariat or Sea Bird, but for horse racing enthusiasts and equine geneticists, Nasrullah is a true legend — not for his dominance on the track, but for his bloodline, which flows through nearly one-third of all modern Thoroughbreds worldwide.
Born on March 2, 1940, in Ireland, Nasrullah was bred by Aga Khan III, one of the most influential figures in European racing history. Trained by Frank Butters, Nasrullah raced just 15 times in his career.
From those starts, he recorded 5 wins, 1 runner-up, and 2 third-place finishes, earning around US$15,000 (≈ IDR 249 million) — equivalent to roughly US$240,000 (≈ IDR 3 billion) today.
His biggest victories came in two of England’s most prestigious races — the Coventry Stakes and the Champion Stakes — where his raw speed and natural power as a young colt were on full display.
However, Nasrullah’s career was far from flawless. His fiery temperament made him notoriously difficult to handle. He often misbehaved in the paddock and even risked disqualification by refusing to start cleanly in several races.
Despite his unremarkable race record, Nasrullah’s true impact began after retirement, when he was sent to stud. Relocated to Claiborne Farm in Kentucky, USA, Nasrullah became a Leading Sire in Britain and Ireland (1951) and later dominated the U.S. sire rankings in 1955, 1956, 1959, 1960, and 1962.
From his bloodline came some of the most iconic names in racing history: Bold Ruler (sire of Secretariat), Never Bend, Nashua, Mill Reef, Seattle Slew (U.S. Triple Crown winner).
Genetic researchers estimate that around 30% of all modern Thoroughbreds carry Nasrullah’s lineage. This earned him the title “The Leading Sire of Sires” — a stallion who not only produced champions, but produced champion-makers.
Aga Khan and an Enduring Legacy
Interestingly, Nasrullah’s breeder, Aga Khan III, remains a revered name in racing circles. His breeding empire, Aga Khan Studs, continues to be one of the most powerful forces in global Thoroughbred breeding.
As recently as 2024, one of his horses stunned the racing world by winning the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, Europe’s most prestigious race — proof that the legacy of greatness from Nasrullah’s era still runs strong today.
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