de Royer-Dupre Pays Tribute to Zarkava Alain de Royer-Dupre was understandably downcast at the news of Zarkava's retirement but fully accepts the Aga Khan's decision. The trainer identified Zarkava's swansong in the Arc as the defining moment in her star-spangled career. He also highlighted the filly's raw pace as being the key attribute for which she will be best remembered. "As a trainer, it is normal to feel some disappointment at her retirement," said the Chantilly handler. He added: "But I understand that it is important for the valuable continuation of the Aga Khan's breeding operation. She is going to be a wonderful prospect at stud. That (the Arc) was the best race for her because when she crossed the finishing line, she had won so easily. "That was unbelievable - especially as she hit traffic jams during the race. I always said her greatest quality was her acceleration. "The ability to make up so much space in such a short space of time - like she showed in the Vermeille - was incredible." De Royer-Dupre, who was also responsible for the development of the Aga Khan's Dalakhani, accepts he may never again train a horse of Zarkava's calibre. "It is not very often a horse like this comes along - I have been very lucky," reflected the handler. "She is possibly the best I have trained, but Dalakhani was also a great horse to have. Zarkava has been a beautiful story."
