Kashmir (horse)

In the early part of 1965, Kashmir proved himself to be a fast and precocious colt, winning the Prix du Début over 800 metres at Saint-Cloud and the Prix de Martinvast over 1000 metres at Longchamp. In July, the colt was moved up in class to contest the prestigious[6] Prix Robert Papin at Maisons-Laffitte Racecourse. Ridden by the British jockey Lester Piggott he won from Barbare, with Soleil in third. In the following month Kashmir finished third to Soleil in the Prix Morny at Deauville Racecourse and in September he was runner-up to Silver Shark in the Prix La Rochette. Silver Shark went on to defeat older sprinters in that year's Prix de l'Abbaye. On his final appearance of the season, Kashmir was also tried against older horses in the 1400 metre Prix de la Forêt at Longchamp and finished second to the five-year-old Red Slipper.[2]

Kashmir began his three-year-old season by winning the 1400 metre Prix Djebel at Maisons-Laffitte. He then raced outside France for the first and only time when he was sent to England to contest the 2000 Guineas over the Rowley Mile course at Newmarket on 27 April. He was ridden by the British jockey Jimmy Lindley and started at odds of 7/1 in a field of twenty-five runners. Two furlongs from the finish Lindley used Kashmir's acceleration to open up a three length lead, and although his opponents reduced the gap in the closing stages, he prevailed by a short-head from Great Nephew, with Celtic Song in third.[7]

On his return to France, Kashmir finished third to Silver Shark and Barbare in the Prix Jean Prat at Longchamp in June. After finishing unplaced on his only subsequent appearance he was retired from racing.[2]