Francis‑Henri Graffard has announced that Daryz will aim for a Royal Ascot campaign after the four‑year‑old delivered a flawless start to his season by winning the Prix Ganay at Longchamp in Paris. The son of the legendary Sea The Stars had already hinted at superstar potential by capturing his first four starts last year. Although he fell short in the Juddmonte International at York and was beaten on his subsequent home‑soil outing, Daryz rebounded spectacularly in October, storming home in a thrilling Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe victory. Going into the 10‑furlong Group One at Longchamp, Daryz entered as a hot favourite, and he lived up to the expectations.
From the moment the gates opened, he travelled with authority, covering the early stages with powerful, effortless strides. The real question was when jockey Mickael Barzalona would ask for the finish, and the answer came quickly.
As soon as Barzalona gave the cue, Daryz surged forward, shifting gears in an instant and pulling away to secure a decisive win. Bright Picture, who had been ridden patiently throughout, held on to finish second, while the Group One‑winning mare Aventure claimed third place.
The performance left no doubt about Daryz’s class and his readiness for the next big challenge. 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 thrilled with his seasonal debut; he was truly impressive.
We have always believed that this horse is as good as he appears, and we expect him to improve further this year. He is a very special animal, which is why we kept him in training – we wanted to prove that his Arc triumph was not a one‑off." Routh added that the connections view the upcoming Prix Aga Khan IV – previously known as the Prix d’Ispahan – as a logical stepping‑stone toward the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Ascot in June. "We think we will drop him back in distance for the Aga Khan IV, which is run over nine and a half furlongs, a touch sharper than today’s race. That suits him perfectly because he thrives on a strong, quick pace.
He seems happiest when he can stride freely, and anyone who has ridden him says he can handle any tempo," she explained. The betting market responded to the performance by cutting Daryz’s odds from 10‑1 to 5‑1 for a potential repeat of his Arc success in the autumn.
However, the team has several high‑level targets before that season‑ending goal. The immediate plan, according to Routh, is to use the Prix Aga Khan IV as a preparatory run that fits neatly into the calendar, allowing Daryz to peak for the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot. "We have no fear of dropping the trip further," Routh continued.
"He loves a fast pace and will give you the impression that he can settle into any rhythm. The idea was always the Ganay, then the Aga Khan IV, and finally the Prince of Wales’s at Ascot.
We haven’t nailed down the second half of the year yet, but that’s the blueprint for the first half." The decision to keep Daryz in training rather than retire him after his Arc victory reflects the confidence his connections have in his ability to compete at the highest level across a range of distances. While his earlier disappointment at York showed that even top horses can have off days, his ability to bounce back and dominate at Longchamp demonstrates resilience and a high‑class turn of foot. Looking ahead, the Prince of Wales’s Stakes will present a new test over a mile and a half, pitting Daryz against some of the best middle‑distance performers in Europe.
If he can replicate the speed and composure he displayed in the Ganay, he will be a formidable contender. Moreover, his proven aptitude for a strong early pace could give him an edge in a race where many rivals rely on a late kick.
In summary, Daryz’s commanding victory in the Prix Ganay has set the stage for an ambitious campaign that includes a targeted run in the Prix Aga Khan IV and a coveted appearance at Royal Ascot’s Prince of Wales’s Stakes. With his connections confident in his continued development and his innate love for a brisk tempo, the four‑year‑old is poised to add more Group One triumphs to his résumé and further cement his status as one of the leading middle‑distance horses of his generation.