Francis‑Henri Graffard has announced that Daryz will be aimed at the Royal Ascot meeting after the four‑year‑old delivered a flawless start to his campaign by winning 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 three‑year‑old last season.
Although he faltered in the Juddmonte International at York and was subsequently beaten on his next home outing, Daryz rebounded spectacularly in October, delivering a thrilling performance to claim the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. His recent victory in the 10‑furlong Group One at Longchamp reinforced his status as a top‑class middle‑distance performer. From the start, Daryz travelled powerfully, and the only question was when his jockey, Mickael Barzalona, would ask him for more.
The moment the request was made, the horse responded instantly, accelerating through the final stages and pulling away to secure a decisive win. Bright Picture, who was ridden patiently throughout, finished a clear second, while the Group One‑winning mare Aventure took third place. Nemone Routh, the manager representing the Aga Khan Studs – Daryz's owners in France – spoke to the Press Association after the race. She said, "We are obviously delighted with his performance in his seasonal debut – it was a very impressive display.
We have always believed he possessed the ability to be a genuine Group One horse, and today he confirmed that belief. He still has room to improve this year, and we intend to keep him in training to demonstrate that his Arc triumph was no fluke." Routh added that the connections are already looking ahead to the next steps in the horse's campaign. While the betting market has already shortened Daryz's odds from 10‑1 to 5‑1 for a potential repeat of his Arc victory in the autumn, the team has identified several other high‑profile targets before that point. The most immediate objective is the Prix Aga Khan IV – previously known as the Prix d'Ispahan – scheduled for next month over nine and a half furlongs.
This race is expected to serve as a stepping‑stone toward the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Ascot in June. "We will likely drop the distance even further for the Aga Khan IV, as it is a sharper test than today’s ten‑furlong trip," Routh explained. "Daryz thrives on a strong, fast pace. He is happiest when he can stretch out his stride, and every rider who has taken him to the races remarks that he can settle to any tempo." The manager expressed confidence that the horse will handle the shorter distance with ease, describing the race as an ideal preparation for the Prince of Wales's Stakes, which falls at a perfect point in the calendar to sharpen him for the Ascot challenge.
"Our plan for the first half of the year is clear: the Ganay, then the Prix Aga Khan IV, and finally the Prince of Wales's at Ascot. We are still finalising our program for the latter part of the season, but the early schedule is set," she said.
The decision to keep Daryz in training rather than retiring him after his Arc win reflects the owners' belief in his long‑term potential. They view his recent performances as evidence that he possesses the versatility and consistency required to compete at the highest level across a range of distances. Moreover, his pedigree – being a direct offspring of Sea The Stars – adds a layer of expectation that he will continue to excel in elite company. In addition to the immediate targets, the team is also mindful of the broader racing calendar.
The Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot is one of the most prestigious middle‑distance contests in the European season, and a win there would cement Daryz's reputation as a true champion. The race typically attracts a field of the best older horses, and Daryz's demonstrated ability to accelerate quickly and maintain a strong cruising speed makes him a strong contender. Looking ahead, the connections anticipate that the combination of a sharp, fast‑paced race in the Aga Khan IV and the tactical demands of the Prince of Wales's Stakes will bring out the best in Daryz. They are also keeping an eye on potential future engagements, including a possible return to the Arc in the autumn, where they hope he can defend his title against the best middle‑distance horses in Europe.
Overall, Daryz's performance at the Prix Ganay has not only reaffirmed his class but also provided a clear roadmap for his upcoming campaign. With a supportive training team, a patient owner, and a jockey who knows how to unleash his speed, the horse is poised to make a significant impact at Royal Ascot and beyond.
The racing world will be watching closely as the Aga Khan Studs aim to add another illustrious chapter to Daryz's growing legacy.