Racing: Classic entries a clue to Aga Khan's intentions

THE Aga Khan, who boycotted British racing following the controversial disqualification of his filly Aliysa from the 1989 Oaks, may be about to run his horses here again.

Yesterday's publication of the second-entry stage for the 1994 Derby include two colts owned by the Aga Khan. Akhiyar and Cajarian are both trained in Ireland by John Oxx, whose stable outlined the background to the owner's decision in a statement released yesterday.

This made it clear that further steps will need to be taken by the British racing establishment to meet the Aga Khan's criticisms before he will commit his horses to run in British classics.

However, his willingness to put up entry fees of pounds 20,000 looks a positive first step towards resolving the dispute.