During his time as the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslim community, the late Aga Khan helped found a charity responsible for running hundreds of hospitals, educational and cultural projects, mainly in the developing world. He was also known for his immense wealth. Forbes magazine in 2008 estimated his fortune amounted to $1bn (£801m). Business ventures included hotels and telecommunications companies as well as a sizeable investments in horse breeding. He was a leading owner and breeder of racehorses in the UK, France and Ireland, breeding Shergar, once the most famous and most valuable racehorse in the world.