Francis‑Henri Graffard has announced that Daryz will aim for Royal Ascot after the four‑year‑old delivered a flawless start to his campaign by winning the Prix Ganay at Longchamp in Paris. The son of the legendary Sea The Stars had already shown signs of becoming a superstar, having captured his first four starts last season.
Although he fell short in the Juddmonte International at York and was defeated in his next outing on home soil, Daryz rebounded spectacularly by securing a thrilling victory in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in October. Going into the 10‑furlong Group One at Longchamp, Daryz entered as a hot favourite, expected to continue the form that had taken him to the top of the sport. He travelled powerfully from the start, and the only question was when jockey Mickael Barzalona would ask for his effort.
The moment Barzalona pressed his foot, Daryz responded instantly, accelerating through the gears and pulling away to claim a convincing win. Bright Picture, who had been ridden patiently throughout the race, held on for second place, while the Group One‑winning mare Aventure completed the podium in third.
Nemone Routh, who manages the Aga Khan Studs’ interests in France, told the Press Association: "We are obviously delighted with his performance on his seasonal debut – it was a very impressive display." Routh continued, "We have always believed this horse is as good as he looks, and we think he will improve further this year. He is a very special animal, which is why we kept him in training to prove that his Arc victory was not a one‑off. We have always held him in high regard, and today he confirmed that he is a genuine Group One performer." Following the win, the odds on Daryz were cut from 10‑1 to 5‑1 as bookmakers recognised his potential to defend his Arc title in the autumn.
However, his connections have a number of other elite targets before the end of the year. The next likely 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, is expected to serve as a stepping‑stone toward the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Ascot in June. Routh explained the strategic plan: "We think we will drop him back in distance now, as the Prix Aga Khan IV is a bit sharper than today’s race. That suits him perfectly because he loves a fast pace. He is happiest when he can stride out, and anyone who has ridden him says he can handle any tempo." She added, "We are confident he will handle the shorter trip and see this as an ideal preparation, arriving at the right moment for the Prince of Wales’s Stakes.
Our roadmap for the first half of the year is clear: the Ganay, then the Aga Khan IV, followed by Ascot. We haven’t finalized the second half of the season yet, but that is the current plan." The victory at the Ganay not only reinforced Daryz’s status as a top‑class middle‑distance performer but also highlighted his versatility. His ability to accelerate sharply, sustain a strong cruising speed, and handle a brisk early pace makes him a formidable contender over a range of distances. Trainers and analysts alike note that his pedigree – being out of Sea The Stars, one of the most influential sires of the modern era – gives him both the stamina and the turn of foot required for elite competition.
Looking ahead, the connections are eager to test Daryz against the best milers and middle‑distance horses in the UK. The Prince of Wales’s Stakes, a 10‑furlong contest at Royal Ascot, traditionally attracts a world‑class field, and a win there would cement Daryz’s reputation as a truly international champion. Moreover, a successful campaign that includes a repeat Arc victory would place him among the very few horses to win the race twice, further enhancing his legacy and future breeding value. In the meantime, fans can stay up to date with the latest racing news, interviews, and features via Sky Sports Racing and other dedicated platforms.
The team behind Daryz remains focused on careful preparation, ensuring the horse stays healthy and sharp as the season progresses. As Routh summed up, "We have always believed in his talent, and today we have shown the world that he is a proper Group One horse. The journey continues, and we are excited to see what the rest of the year holds for this exceptional colt."