Francis-Henri Graffard has announced that Daryz will aim for a Royal Ascot campaign following a flawless start to his three‑year‑old season with a commanding victory in the Prix Ganay at Longchamp, Paris. The son of the legendary Sea The Stars has already shown the makings of a superstar, having won his first four starts as a juvenile last year.
Although his form dipped in the Juddmonte International at York and he was again beaten in his subsequent home‑soil start, Daryz rebounded spectacularly by clinching a thrilling Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in October, confirming his status among the elite. In the 10‑furlong Group One at Longchamp, Daryz entered as the hot favourite and lived up to expectations.
He travelled powerfully from the start, and the only question was when jockey Mickael Barzalona would ask him to accelerate. The moment Barzalona pressed the button, the four‑year‑old responded instantly, shifting gears and pulling away to secure a decisive win. Bright Picture, ridden patiently, held on for second place, while the Group One‑winning mare Aventure rounded out the placings in third.
Nemone Routh, manager for the Aga Khan Studs – Daryz’s owners in France – spoke to the Press Association after the race: "We are obviously delighted with his seasonal debut; he was suitably impressive. We have always believed this horse is as good as he looks, and we expect him to improve further this year.
He is a very special animal, which is why we kept him in training – we wanted to prove that his Arc triumph was not a one‑off performance. We have always held him in high regard, and today he has confirmed that he is a genuine Group One horse." The win has shifted Daryz’s odds for defending his Arc title this autumn from 10‑1 to 5‑1, but his connections have a clear roadmap for the next few months. The primary target after the Ganay is the Prix Aga Khan IV – previously known as the Prix d'Ispahan – scheduled for next month.
This race, run over nine and a half furlongs, will serve as a stepping‑stone toward the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot in June. Routh explained the strategic plan: "We intend to drop him back in distance now, as the Prix Aga Khan IV is even sharper than today’s race. We have no concerns because Daryz thrives on a fast pace; he is happiest when he can stride out freely, and every rider who has partnered him says he can handle any tempo. Dropping back further should suit him well and provides an ideal preparation for the Prince of Wales's Stakes, which falls at the perfect time in the calendar.
Our blueprint for the first half of the year is the Ganay, then the Prix Aga Khan IV, followed by Ascot. We are still working out the second half of the season, but that is the plan for now." The trainer’s confidence is rooted in Daryz’s versatility. While his most celebrated triumph came over the classic 2400‑metre distance of the Arc, his performance at Longchamp demonstrated that he can also dominate at ten furlongs with a strong turn of foot.
The upcoming shorter distance race will test his speed and stamina balance, but his pedigree – a son of Sea The Stars, a multiple Group One winner – suggests he possesses both the class and the physical attributes to excel. Beyond the immediate targets, the connections are also mindful of the broader campaign. A successful run at the Prix Aga Khan IV would not only bolster his reputation but also enhance his value as a future breeding stallion.
The Aga Khan Studs have a long history of producing top‑class middle‑distance performers, and Daryz could join that illustrious lineage if he continues to collect Group One victories. Fans of horse racing can stay updated with the latest news, interviews, and features through various platforms, including Sky Sports Racing and the Press Association’s digital feeds. The excitement surrounding Daryz’s upcoming races is palpable, and many observers are eager to see if he can replicate his Arc heroics on the Ascot turf. In summary, after a flawless display at the Prix Ganay, Daryz is now being primed for a campaign that will take him from a 10‑furlong Group One victory in Paris to a potential showdown in the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot.
With a clear plan laid out by his trainer and owners, and with the confidence of his jockey and manager, the four‑year‑old appears poised to add more prestigious wins to his already impressive résumé. The next few months will be crucial in determining whether Daryz can cement his place among the modern greats of the sport.