Francis‑Henri Graffard has announced that Daryz will be aimed at Royal Ascot following the four‑year‑old’s flawless start to the new campaign in the Prix Ganay at Longchamp. The son of the legendary Sea The Stars looked like a future superstar after sweeping his first four starts as a three‑year‑old, and although he was a disappointment in the Juddmonte International at York and then fell short in his next home‑soil outing, he rebounded spectacularly by clinching a thrilling victory in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in October. In the extended ten‑furlong Group One at Longchamp, Daryz entered as the hot favourite, and he lived up to expectations. He travelled powerfully from the start, and the only question was when jockey Mickael Barzalona would ask for his effort.
The moment the rider gave the signal, the colt responded instantly, accelerating through the final stages and securing a decisive win. Bright Picture, who had been ridden patiently throughout, held on for second place, while the Group One‑winning mare Aventure completed the podium in third.
Nemone Routh, the manager for the Aga Khan Studs, which own Daryz in France, told the Press Association: "We are obviously delighted with his performance in this seasonal debut – he was suitably impressive. We have always believed he possesses the quality to be a top‑class performer, and we expect further improvement as the year progresses.
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 connections have already mapped out a clear path for the horse’s next targets. While the betting market trimmed Daryz’s odds from 10‑1 to 5‑1 for a potential repeat of his Arc victory later in the autumn, the team is looking ahead to a series of high‑profile races before then. The immediate goal is the Prix Aga Khan IV – formerly 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 plan to drop him back in distance for the Aga Khan IV, which is a sharper test than the Ganay," Routh explained. "He thrives on a strong pace and is happiest when he can settle into a steady rhythm. Anyone who has ridden him says he can adapt to any tempo and still produce a finishing kick." The trainer emphasized that the horse’s temperament and versatility make him well‑suited to a variety of race conditions.
"We have no fear of the shorter trip; he loves a quick tempo and will give you the impression that he can handle any pace," Routh said. "The Aga Khan will be an ideal preparation, falling at the perfect time to sharpen him for the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Ascot." Looking further ahead, Graffard and his team have not yet finalized the second half of the season’s programme, but the current plan is clear: the Ganay, followed by the Aga Khan IV, and then the Prince of Wales's Stakes. This sequence allows Daryz to build fitness and confidence while testing his ability over progressively shorter distances, culminating in a prestigious mid‑summer contest at the world‑famous Ascot meeting.
The decision to keep Daryz in training rather than retire him after his Arc win reflects the confidence the Aga Khan Studs have in his enduring talent. They view his recent performance as proof that he belongs among the elite Group One performers and that his earlier successes were not isolated incidents. By targeting a mixture of distance and speed‑oriented races, they hope to showcase his adaptability and perhaps add further classic victories to his résumé. Fans of the sport can stay up to date with the latest developments, interviews, and features through Sky Sports Racing and other racing news outlets, ensuring they don’t miss any of Daryz’s upcoming exploits.
The anticipation builds as the racing calendar approaches the Royal Ascot meeting, where Daryz will aim to confirm his status as a top‑class middle‑distance horse and potentially add a prestigious British Group One win to his already impressive record.