Zilzal was owned by Mana Al Maktoum and trained by Sir Michael Stoute.
Zilzal became a stallion after retiring from racing and sired some top racehorses, including Always Loyal, Among Men, and Faithful Son.
Zilzal was foaled on 31 March 1986, a chestnut colt, he was bred by Kentucky Select Bloodstock.
Russian Bond was two lengths clear of Tay Wharf and Sure Gold, who finished last of the four runners.
His opponents in the one-mile race were the undefeated Prix Jacques Le Marois winner Polish Precedent, Distant Relative, Green Line Express, and Cottenham.
[7] In November Zilzal travelled to America for the Breeders' Cup Mile, where he faced ten opponents including Arlington Million winner Steinlen, Simply Majestic, and Sabona.
Zilzal started as the even money favourite but finished sixth, about four and a half lengths behind winner Steinlen.
Note: F = Furlongs, L = Lengths At the end of the 1989 season, Zilzal was rated as the joint-best horse with Old Vic on 134, ahead of 2000 Guineas and Derby winner Nashwan.
His most notable progeny were: Champion miler Zilzal had to be put down, due to the infirmities of old age.
Due to fertility issues he moved to Lanwades Stud and stood ten seasons from 1996 to 2005 at Kirsten Rausing's Newmarket operation before being retired at the age of 19.
Zilzal joined Aston Upthorpe in 2006 and spent the rest of his retirement at the stud near Didcot.