Francis-Henri Graffard has announced that the four‑year‑old champion Daryz will aim for Royal Ascot, following a flawless start to his three‑year‑old campaign with a commanding victory in the Prix Ganay at Longchamp in Paris. The son of the legendary Sea The Stars had already hinted at superstar status by winning his first four starts as a three‑year‑old last season. Although he fell short in the Juddmonte International at York and was beaten on his next home‑soil outing, he rebounded spectacularly to capture a thrilling Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in October, confirming his class on the biggest stage.
In the 10‑furlong Group One at Longchamp, Daryz entered as the clear favourite, expected to continue the form that had taken him to the Arc. From the outset he travelled powerfully, covering the early stages with a smooth, effortless stride. The real question was when jockey Mickael Barzalona would ask for the finishing effort.
The moment Barzalona gave the cue, Daryz responded instantly, accelerating through the final furlongs and pulling away to secure a decisive win. The race unfolded with Bright Picture, a patient runner, taking second place, while the Group One‑winning mare Aventure rounded out the placings in third. Nemone Routh, the manager representing the Aga Khan Studs – the owners of Daryz in France – spoke to the Press Association after the race.
She said, "We are obviously delighted with his performance in this seasonal debut – it was suitably impressive. We have always believed that he possesses the quality we saw in the Arc, and we think he will continue to improve throughout the year. He is a very special horse, which is why we kept him in training to demonstrate that his Arc triumph was no fluke.
We have always held him in high regard, and today he has proved he is a genuine Group One horse." The victory prompted the betting market to shorten Daryz's odds dramatically, moving from 10‑1 to 5‑1 as punters recognised his renewed vigor. While the connections have a number of elite targets on the horizon, the immediate plan is to aim for the Prix Aga Khan IV – formerly known as the Prix d'Ispahan – next month. That race, run over nine and a half furlongs, will serve as a logical stepping‑stone toward the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Ascot in June.
Routh explained the strategic thinking: "We intend to drop him back in distance now, as the Prix Aga Khan IV is a sharper test at nine and a half furlongs, even quicker than today’s race. We have no concerns because Daryz thrives on a strong, fast pace. He is happiest when he can stride freely, and anyone who has ridden him says he can handle any tempo. Dropping the distance will be an excellent preparation, arriving at the perfect moment to prime him for the Prince of Wales's Stakes.
Our plan for the first half of the year is the Ganay, then the Aga Khan IV, and finally Ascot. We haven’t finalized the second half of the season yet, but that is our roadmap for now." The trainer, Graffard, echoed these sentiments, noting that Daryz’s turn of foot and ability to sustain a high cruising speed make him ideally suited to races where the early fractions are brisk. "He loves a quick tempo," Graffard said.
"When the pace is honest, he settles comfortably and then unleashes his tremendous acceleration in the straight. That’s exactly the type of race we want to target at Ascot, where the Prince of Wales's Stakes often produces a fast early rhythm." Looking ahead, the team will also monitor his fitness and recovery after the Ganay, ensuring that the horse remains fresh for the upcoming mid‑season campaign. The Aga Khan Studs have a history of carefully managing their elite horses, balancing ambition with the need for longevity. Daryz’s pedigree – being out of a Sea The Stars mare – adds further intrigue, as his bloodlines suggest both stamina and a turn of foot, qualities that are prized in middle‑distance Group One contests.
In addition to the primary targets, the connections are keeping an eye on other potential Group One opportunities later in the year, such as the International Stakes at York and possibly a repeat attempt at the Arc in the autumn, should Daryz remain in top form. "We are not ruling anything out," Routh added.
"If he continues to improve, we could consider defending his Arc title later in the season, but for now our focus is on building his confidence and sharpening his speed with the Ganay, the Aga Khan IV, and the Prince of Wales's Stakes." The racing community has taken note of Daryz’s resurgence, with pundits praising his versatility and the astute handling by Graffard and Barzalona. The combination of a top‑class trainer, a talented jockey, and a supportive ownership group bodes well for the horse’s future prospects.
As the season progresses, fans will be eager to see whether Daryz can translate his early‑season dominance into further Group One victories, cementing his status as one of the leading middle‑distance performers of his generation. For those following the sport, the upcoming weeks promise a series of exciting contests that will test Daryz’s speed, stamina, and tactical adaptability. The Prix Ganay victory has set a high benchmark, and the next steps – the Aga Khan IV and the Prince of Wales's Stakes – will provide a clear gauge of his ability to maintain that level against the best in Europe. If he continues on this trajectory, Daryz could well become a defining figure of the 2026 racing calendar, delivering memorable performances for owners, trainers, and racing enthusiasts alike.