Daryz has etched his name in history as only the ninth horse to secure a second victory in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, replicating his 2025 triumph with a powerful late surge to win Europe’s richest Flat race. Trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, the four-year-old colt became the first male horse to win the Arc twice at ParisLongchamp in nearly five decades since Alleged achieved the feat 48 years ago.
Jockey Mickael Barzalona, who also rode Daryz to victory last year, skillfully navigated through a competitive field of 16 runners to lead in the final moments. Unlike the nail-biting photo finish of the previous year, Daryz comfortably crossed the line more than a length ahead of 28-1 outsider Bay City Roller, with Diamond Necklace, Aidan O’Brien’s 10-1 contender, finishing third.
“That’s exactly what it takes to win a race like this,” Barzalona told Sky Sports. “It was a challenging contest and didn’t unfold as we anticipated, but he demonstrated his exceptional talent when it mattered most.” Many considered it a risk to keep Daryz in training at four years old, whereas most elite colts retire at three for lucrative stud duties. However, this gamble paid off handsomely for owners Aga Khan Studs, who pocketed over £2.5 million in prize money.
This season, Daryz also added two more Group One wins to his record and dominated his Arc prep race last month. “He’s a remarkable horse, a true champion,” said a delighted trainer Graffard after his second Arc win. “Usually, I stay grounded because winning such races is incredibly tough, but I was confident that if he found the right rhythm, he would be extremely difficult to beat.”
—
Fan Take: Daryz’s remarkable back-to-back victories highlight the extraordinary talent and durability of elite racehorses when carefully managed beyond their three-year-old season. This achievement not only thrills racing fans but could inspire owners and trainers to reconsider early retirement strategies, potentially elevating the sport’s competitive depth and excitement.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
