Francis‑Henri Graffard has announced that Daryz will be aimed at Royal Ascot after the four‑year‑old produced a flawless start to his new campaign by winning the Prix Ganay at Longchamp. The son of the legendary Sea The Stars has already shown the makings of a superstar, having captured his first four starts as a three‑year‑old last season.
Although his subsequent performances in the Juddmonte International at York and a follow‑up race on home soil fell short of expectations, Daryz rebounded spectacularly in October, delivering a thrilling victory in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. His recent triumph in the ten‑furlong Group One at Longchamp reinforced his status as a leading middle‑distance contender.
Throughout the race Daryz travelled powerfully, and the only question was when jockey Mickael 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 completed the placings in third. Nemone Routh, the manager representing the Aga Khan Studs – Daryz’s owners in France – told the Press Association, "We are obviously delighted with his seasonal debut; he was suitably impressive.
We have always believed he possesses the quality to be a top‑class performer and we expect him to improve further this year. He is a very special horse and that is why we kept him in training – we wanted to demonstrate that his Arc victory was not a one‑off performance." Routh continued, "We have always held him in high regard and today he has proved he is a genuine Group One horse." The win also prompted a significant shift in the betting market, with Coral cutting his odds from 10‑1 to 5‑1, reflecting renewed confidence that he could defend his Arc title in the autumn. However, the connections have several other high‑profile targets before the season’s climax.
The next logical step appears to be 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, is viewed as an ideal stepping‑stone toward the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Ascot in June. "We intend to drop him back in distance for the Prix Aga Khan IV, which is a touch sharper than today’s ten‑furlong test," Routh explained.
"We have no concerns about that because Daryz thrives on a strong, honest pace. He is happiest when he can stride freely, and every rider who has partnered him says he can adapt to any tempo." The team believes the shorter trip will serve as an excellent preparation for the Prince of Wales’s Stakes, which falls at a perfect point in the calendar to sharpen him for the autumn campaign. "We hope he will handle the drop in distance without any issue; it is a very good prep race and it arrives at the right time to get him ready for Ascot," Routh added.
Looking ahead, the plan for the first half of the year is now clear: the Prix Ganay, followed by the Prix Aga Khan IV, and then the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot. While the exact programme for the latter half of the season remains undecided, the connections are confident that Daryz’s form will continue to improve, giving them flexibility to target additional Group One events later in the year. The decision to keep Daryz in training rather than retiring him after his Arc triumph underscores the confidence the Aga Khan Studs have in his long‑term potential.
They view his recent performances as evidence that his talent is not a fleeting flash but a sustainable level of excellence. By carefully managing his race schedule – gradually reducing distances to sharpen his turn of foot before tackling the classic ten‑furlong contests – they aim to maximize his development and preserve his health. Fans of the sport can stay updated with the latest racing news, interviews, and features through Sky Sports Racing and other dedicated outlets, ensuring they do not miss any of Daryz’s forthcoming exploits.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Longchamp, Chantilly, and ultimately Ascot, where Daryz hopes to add more prestigious victories to his already impressive résumé.