Francis‑Henri Graffard has announced that Daryz will aim for Royal Ascot after the four‑year‑old delivered a flawless start to his season with a commanding victory in the Prix Ganay at Longchamp in Paris. The son of the legendary Sea The Stars has already shown the makings of a superstar, having captured his first four starts last year. Although he fell short in the Juddmonte International at York and was beaten in his subsequent home‑soil outing, Daryz rebounded spectacularly by winning a thrilling Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in October, confirming his class at the highest level. Going into the extended 10‑furlong Group One at Longchamp, Daryz entered as a hot favourite.
He travelled powerfully from the start, and the only question was when jockey Mickaël Barzalona would ask him for his effort. The moment Barzalona gave the cue, the horse responded instantly, shifting gears with ease and pulling away to secure a decisive win.
Bright Picture, ridden patiently, held on for second place, while the Group One‑winning mare Aventure finished a respectable third. Nemone Routh, manager for the Aga Khan Studs – the owners of Daryz in France – spoke to the Press Association after the race. She said, “We’re obviously very happy with his seasonal debut – he was suitably impressive. We have always believed he is as good as he looks, and we think he will improve further this year.
He is a very special horse, 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 have always regarded Daryz as a genuine Group One performer, and today’s performance confirmed that belief. Following the win, the betting market trimmed Daryz’s odds from 10‑1 to 5‑1 for a successful defence of his Arc title in the autumn.
However, his connections have already identified several other elite targets before the season’s climax. The next logical step appears to be the Prix Aga Khan IV – formerly the Prix d’Ispahan – scheduled for next month.
That race, run over nine and a half furlongs, offers a slightly shorter trip than the Ganay and will serve as a sharp prep for the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot in June. Routh explained the strategic plan: “We think we’ll drop him back even further in distance now, as the Prix Aga Khan IV is a touch sharper than today’s race. We have no fear of that because Daryz loves a fast pace. He is happiest when he can stride out, and anyone who has ridden him says he can settle to any tempo.” She emphasized that the horse’s versatility and willingness to engage in a briskly run race make him an ideal candidate for the upcoming middle‑distance challenges.
The team’s broader schedule for the first half of the year is now taking shape. Routh outlined the roadmap: “Our idea was the Ganay, then the Prix Aga Khan IV, and finally the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Ascot.
We haven’t finalized the second half of the year yet, but that’s the plan for the first half.” This measured progression allows Daryz to build fitness, sharpen his turn of foot, and gain valuable experience against top‑class opposition ahead of the prestigious Ascot meeting. Daryz’s pedigree also adds to the excitement surrounding his campaign. As a son of Sea The Stars, he inherits a blend of stamina and speed that has produced numerous classic winners. His own record – four wins from his first four starts, a disappointing run in the Juddmonte International, a narrow defeat at home, and a triumphant Arc – showcases a horse capable of both resilience and brilliance.
Trainers and owners alike are eager to see whether he can translate his Arc form into a repeat victory, a feat that would cement his status among the modern greats. 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 long‑term potential. By targeting a series of high‑profile Group One contests, they aim to demonstrate that his previous successes were not isolated incidents but part of a sustained pattern of excellence. The upcoming Prix Aga Khan IV will test his ability to handle a slightly shorter distance while maintaining his turn of foot, while the Prince of Wales’s Stakes will pit him against some of the best middle‑distance horses in Europe.
Fans and pundits will be watching closely as the season unfolds. If Daryz can replicate his dominant display at Longchamp and adapt to the varying demands of the French and British racing calendars, he could become a defining figure of the 2026 flat‑racing season.
The anticipation builds not only for his performance at Royal Ascot but also for the possibility of a historic double – defending his Arc title and adding a Prince of Wales’s Stakes victory to his résumé. In summary, Daryz’s impressive Prix Ganay win has set the stage for an ambitious campaign that includes a targeted drop back in distance, a strategic prep race in the Prix Aga Khan IV, and a coveted run at Royal Ascot’s Prince of Wales’s Stakes.
With his trainer, jockey, and owners fully committed to maximizing his potential, the racing world will be eager to see whether this talented son of Sea The Stars can continue to deliver the high‑class performances that have already made him a standout in the sport.