Francis‑Henri Graffard has announced that Daryz will aim for Royal Ascot following a flawless start to his three‑year‑old campaign with a dominant performance in the Prix Ganay at Longchamp. The son of the legendary Sea The Stars has already shown the makings of a superstar, having captured his first four starts as a two‑year‑old last season. Although he fell short in the Juddmonte International at York and was beaten on his subsequent home‑soil outing, Daryz rebounded spectacularly in October, delivering a thrilling victory in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
In the 10‑furlong Group One at Longchamp, Daryz entered as one of the hot favourites, expected to continue the form that saw him claim the Arc title. From the moment the gates opened, he travelled powerfully, covering ground with effortless stride.
The crucial moment arrived when jockey Mickaël Barzalona chose to press forward; Daryz responded instantly, shifting into a higher gear and pulling away to secure a decisive win. The race unfolded with Bright Picture, patiently guided throughout, finishing as the best of the rest in second place, while the Group One‑winning mare Aventure took third. Nemone Routh, the manager representing the Aga Khan Studs—owners of Daryz—in France, spoke to the Press Association after the race.
She said, "We are obviously delighted with his seasonal debut; he was suitably impressive. We have always believed he could be as good as he is, and we think he will improve further this year. He is a very special horse, which is why we kept him in training to demonstrate that his Arc triumph was no fluke." Routh added that the team has long held Daryz in high regard and that today’s performance confirmed his status as a genuine Group One competitor. Following the victory, Coral cut Daryz’s odds from 10‑1 to 5‑1 for a repeat Arc attempt in the autumn.
However, the connections have a series of top‑level targets before that, beginning with next month’s Prix Aga Khan IV (formerly the Prix d’Ispahan). This race, run over nine and a half furlongs, is seen as an ideal stepping‑stone toward the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Ascot in June. Routh explained, "We intend to drop him back in distance for the Prix Aga Khan IV, which is a bit sharper than today’s race. We have no fear of that because he thrives on a fast pace; he is happiest when he can stride out.
Every rider who has been on him says he can handle any tempo." The team believes the shorter trip will serve as a perfect preparation, arriving at a time that aligns with the Prince of Wales’s Stakes schedule. "Our plan is simple: the Ganay today, then the Prix Aga Khan IV, and finally the Prince of Wales’s at Ascot. We haven’t finalized the second half of the year’s programme yet, but that is the roadmap for the first half," Routh concluded. Daryz’s pedigree and early career have already placed him among the most talked‑about thoroughbreds in Europe.
His sire, Sea The Stars, was a multiple Group One winner and a dominant force on the track, and Daryz has inherited both stamina and a turn of foot. After a flawless juvenile season, his brief dip in form during the Juddmonte International raised questions, but his resurgence in the Arc demonstrated resilience and class.
The recent Prix Ganay win not only confirms his ability over ten furlongs but also showcases his adaptability to different race tempos and ground conditions. Looking ahead, the decision to target Royal Ascot reflects confidence in Daryz’s versatility. The Prince of Wales’s Stakes, run over ten furlongs at the historic Ascot venue, is a race that suits horses with a blend of speed and stamina—attributes that Daryz has displayed in abundance.
Moreover, the race offers a prestigious platform to further cement his reputation on the international stage, potentially enhancing his value as a future stallion. Trainer Francis‑Henri Graffard has emphasized the importance of careful campaign planning. By spacing his runs and selecting races that progressively test his abilities, the team aims to keep Daryz fresh and motivated.
The upcoming Prix Aga Khan IV will provide a sharp, shorter test, while the eventual trip to Ascot will bring him back to his preferred distance against elite competition. In summary, Daryz’s commanding performance in the Prix Ganay has set the tone for an ambitious season.
With his connections eyeing a sequence of high‑profile races—starting with the Prix Aga Khan IV and culminating in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes—there is a clear roadmap designed to maximize his potential. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely, eager to see whether this son of Sea The Stars can translate his early promise into sustained greatness across Europe’s most prestigious stages.