Francis‑Henri Graffard has announced that Daryz will aim for Royal Ascot following a flawless start to his 2024 campaign with a commanding victory in the Prix Ganay at Longchamp. The four‑year‑old, a son of the legendary Sea The Stars, has already shown the makings of a superstar after 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 subsequent home‑soil outing, Daryz rebounded spectacularly by clinching a thrilling Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in October, confirming his status among the elite of European middle‑distance horses.
In the recent 10‑furlong Group One at Longchamp, Daryz entered as the overwhelming favourite, and he lived up to expectations. From the start, he travelled powerfully, covering ground with an effortless stride.
The only question for jockey Mickael Barzalona was when to ask for the finishing kick. The moment he pressed forward, Daryz responded instantly, accelerating through the final stages and crossing the line well ahead of his rivals.
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, manager for the Aga Khan Studs – the owners of Daryz in France – spoke to the Press Association after the race, expressing the stable’s delight. “We’re obviously very happy with that for his seasonal debut – he was suitably impressive,” she said. “We always hoped this was as good as he is and he will probably come on for that race – he’s still got a bit more improvement to come I think this year.” Routh emphasized that the decision to keep Daryz in training was deliberate, aimed at proving that his Arc triumph was no fluke.
“He’s a very special horse and that’s why we kept him in training as we wanted to prove to everyone his win in the Arc wasn’t a flash in the pan,” she added. The connections also highlighted Daryz’s pedigree and temperament, noting that his ability to handle a strong pace makes him ideally suited to the classic middle‑distance contests that dominate the European summer calendar.
“We have always held him in high regard and I think today he’s proved he is a proper Group One horse,” Routh affirmed. Following the Ganay, Daryz’s odds for defending his Arc title were cut dramatically, moving from 10‑to‑1 to 5‑to‑1, reflecting the betting public’s growing confidence. However, the team has a clear roadmap for the rest of the season, with several high‑profile targets already pencilled in.
The next major objective is the Prix Aga Khan IV – formerly known as the Prix d’Ispahan – scheduled for next month. This race, run over nine and a half furlongs, offers a slightly shorter trip than the Ganay and will serve as a sharp preparation for the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Ascot in June. Routh explained the strategic thinking behind the upcoming campaign: “I think we’re going to drop him back even further (in trip) now as he’s going to go for the Prix Aga Khan IV, which is over nine and a half furlongs, so it’s even a bit sharper than today.” She added that Daryz thrives when the pace is strong. “We would not have any fear of that as he’s a horse who loves a fast pace in a race – he’s actually at his happiest when he can stride out and anyone that rides him says he gives you a feeling that he can follow any pace.” The team believes that the Aga Khan IV will be an ideal stepping‑stone, providing a timely test of speed and stamina ahead of the Prince of Wales’s Stakes.
“We hope he’ll be fine dropping back even further and it’s just a very good prep as it falls at the right time for getting him to the Prince of Wales’s Stakes,” Routh said. “The idea that we had in our minds was the Ganay today, the Prix Aga Khan IV and then the Prince of Wales’s at Ascot.
We haven’t quite figured out what we’re doing for the second half of the year, but that’s the plan for the first half of the year.” Daryz’s profile is further enhanced by his impeccable race record, which now includes victories at the highest level over a range of distances. His Arc win in October demonstrated his ability to sustain a strong, relentless drive over 12 furlongs, while his recent Ganay triumph proved he can also dominate at the classic 10‑furlong distance.
The upcoming shorter trip in the Aga Khan IV will test his turn of foot, a quality that Barzalona and the training team believe will be crucial for success in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes, a race that often favors horses with a blend of speed and stamina. Looking ahead, the connections are also keeping an eye on potential autumn targets beyond the Arc defense, including other prestigious Group One events such as the International Stakes at York and possibly a return to the Arc itself, should Daryz continue to progress. For now, the focus remains on a carefully calibrated summer campaign designed to build fitness, sharpen his racing instincts, and showcase his versatility. Fans of the sport can stay up‑to‑date with the latest developments, interviews, and in‑depth features through Sky Sports Racing and other racing news outlets, ensuring that Daryz’s journey from a promising three‑year‑old to a dominant middle‑distance champion is followed closely by enthusiasts worldwide.
In summary, Daryz’s flawless start to the season, highlighted by his Prix Ganay victory, has set the stage for an ambitious program that targets Royal Ascot’s Prince of Wales’s Stakes, with the Prix Aga Khan IV serving as a critical preparatory race. The team’s confidence in his ability to handle a brisk pace and adapt to slightly shorter distances suggests that Daryz is poised to become a defining figure in the European racing calendar this year.