A racecourse darling whose diva ways made for an incredible mare

John Randall recalls a dual Classic winner with a brilliant turn of foot

Petite Etoile (right): won 14 of her 19 starts, including the 1,000 Guineas and Oaks

Foaled 1956
Pedigree Petition - Star Of Iran
Owners Prince Aly Khan, Aga Khan IV
Trainer Noel Murless
Main jockeys Lester Piggott, Doug Smith
Breeders Prince Aly Khan and Aga Khan III
Career record 14 wins and five seconds from 19 starts
Most famousfor A dual Classic winner with a brilliant turn of foot, and a wilful, highly strung nature
Fate at stud Initially disappointing but became fifth dam of Zarkava

Petite Etoile was wilful and highly strung, a prima donna who contrived to be at the centre of attention even in defeat.

The 1,000 Guineas and Oaks heroine of 1959 possessed a brilliant turn of foot that Lester Piggott repeatedly utilised so that she came late and won on a tight rein by a narrow margin, which added to the drama of her appearances.

Read the full story

Read award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing, with exclusive news, interviews, columns, investigations, stable tours and subscriber-only emails.

Subscribe to unlock

Racing Post digital newspaper (worth over £100 per month)
Award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing
Expert tips from the likes of Tom Segal and Paul Kealy
Replays and results analysis from all UK and Irish racecourses
Form study tools including the Pro Card and Horse Tracker
Extensive archive of statistics covering horses, trainers, jockeys, owners, pedigree and sales data

Already a subscriber?Log in

Published on 20 January 2017inSeries

Last updated 12:28, 20 January 2017

Copy