Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili sect of Shia Muslims and one of the world’s leading Thoroughbred owners and breeders, died Tuesday in Lisbon, Portugal. Born Shah Karim al-Husayni in Geneva, Switzerland, he assumed the leadership title from his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah, Aga Khan III, in 1957 at age 20. The Aga Khan III also passed down his interest in the Thoroughbred breed, having participated in the industry himself since the early 1900s. He became a perennial leading owner and breeder in Europe, with runners including English Triple Crown winner Bahram, while his pedigrees dominated U.S. bloodlines exporting leading sires including English Derby winner Mahmoud and Blenheim.
