Francis-Henri Graffard has announced that Daryz will be aimed at the prestigious Royal Ascot meeting after the horse delivered a flawless start to his three‑year‑old campaign by winning the Group One Prix Ganay at Longchamp in Paris. The victory not only reaffirmed Daryz's status as a top‑class performer but also gave his connections a clear roadmap for the rest of the season, with the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Ascot now firmly on the agenda.
Daryz, a son of the legendary Sea The Stars, burst onto the scene last year by capturing his first four starts, a run that instantly marked him as a potential superstar. Although his form dipped in the Juddmonte International at York, where he finished behind the leading contenders, and he was subsequently beaten on his next outing on home soil, he quickly rebounded. In October, he produced a thrilling, come‑from‑behind victory in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, confirming that his earlier setbacks were merely temporary blips rather than signs of decline.
Going into the Prix Ganay, Daryz entered as the odds‑on favourite over the 10‑furlong distance. From the start, he travelled with authority, covering the early stages with a powerful stride that left his rivals struggling to keep pace. The real test came when jockey Mickael Barzalona chose the moment to ask for more. As soon as the rider eased his hand, the four‑year‑old surged forward, accelerating through the final furlongs with a burst of speed that was both swift and effortless.
The finish was decisive, and Daryz crossed the line well ahead of the field. Bright Picture, who had been ridden with patience throughout the race, held on to claim second place, while the Group One‑winning mare Aventure provided a respectable third.
The result was a clear indication that Daryz had not only returned to his best but had also improved, showing a level of maturity and composure that suggested even greater things lay ahead. Nemone Routh, the manager representing the Aga Khan Studs—owners of Daryz in France—spoke to the Press Association after the race. She expressed genuine delight at the horse's performance, stating, "We're obviously very happy with that for his seasonal debut – he was suitably impressive." Routh added that the team had always believed Daryz possessed the quality to excel at the highest level and that his recent form indicated he was still capable of further improvement throughout the year. "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," Routh continued.
She emphasized the long‑term vision for the colt, noting that the connections had always regarded him as a genuine Group One talent. "We have always held him in high regard and I think today he's proved he is a proper Group One horse," she concluded. Following the win, bookmakers trimmed Daryz's odds for a repeat Arc triumph later in the autumn, moving from 10‑1 to 5‑1.
However, Graffard and his team have a series of ambitious targets before the Arc arrives again. The immediate focus will 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, offers a slightly shorter trip than the Ganay and will serve as a crucial stepping‑stone toward the Prince of Wales's Stakes in June.
Routh explained the strategic reasoning behind the drop in distance: "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 highlighted Daryz's affinity for a strong, honest pace, noting that the colt thrives when he can settle into a comfortable rhythm and then unleash his turn of foot. "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," Routh said.
The team is confident that the shorter race will not only suit Daryz's natural speed but also act as an ideal preparation for the upcoming Royal Ascot contest. "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 added. She outlined the broader seasonal plan, stating, "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." Royal Ascot, with its historic grandeur and world‑class competition, represents a pivotal test for any top‑level thoroughbred. For Daryz, the Prince of Wales's Stakes will be an opportunity to measure himself against some of the best middle‑distance horses in Europe. Given his proven ability to accelerate sharply, handle a strong pace, and sustain his effort over ten furlongs, the connections believe he is well‑placed to challenge for the prize.
Beyond the immediate targets, Daryz's continued development will be closely monitored by racing enthusiasts and punters alike. His pedigree, featuring the illustrious Sea The Stars, combined with his demonstrated versatility across distances, makes him a compelling prospect for future Group One events, including potential campaigns in the United Kingdom, France, and possibly even overseas. The Aga Khan Studs have a history of nurturing elite performers, and Daryz appears to be the latest example of their commitment to excellence. In summary, Daryz's dominant display in the Prix Ganay has set the stage for an ambitious summer campaign.
With a clear path that includes the Prix Aga Khan IV, the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot, and a potential defense of his Arc title later in the year, the horse's connections are poised to capitalize on his current form. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the four‑year‑old to see whether he can translate his impressive early performances into sustained success at the highest levels of European flat racing.