1935

MUCH interesting information has reached the general public concerning incidents in the career of the Aga Khan’s unbeaten colt Bahram who, having already won the 2000 Guineas and Derby, seems destined for victory in the St Leger, and consequently to inclusion in the select list of winners of the Triple Crown.

Nowhere, however, has the writer seen recounted the story of how narrowly the Aga Khan and the English turf were to losing such a brilliant performer. Yet at one time the life of Bahram hung by the proverbial hair.

It occurred when Bahram was seven months old and in residence at Ballymany Stud. He has been weaned and was just beginning to take a really intelligent interest in life when he caused a ‘first-class sensation’ in the establishment by suddenly developing pneumonia.

Long weeks did Bahram spend enveloped in voluminous layers of wool and flannel, whilst skilled veterinarians fought for his life despairingly. Day and night for almost two months a trusted employee of the stud attended him with unremitting care, feeding him with such dainties as new milk, eggs and cod-liver oil, added to graduated rations of bran and oats.

In the end, care and skill triumphed and Bahram lived, to take his place on the roll of the mighty ones of the turf.