Francis‑Henri Graffard has announced that Daryz will be aimed at Royal Ascot after the colt 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 hinted at superstar potential by capturing his first four starts as a three‑year‑old last season. Although he fell short in the Juddmonte International at York and was subsequently beaten in his next home‑soil outing, Daryz rebounded spectacularly in October, seizing a thrilling victory in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
Entering the 10‑furlong Group One at Longchamp, Daryz was one of the bookmakers' top favourites. From the moment the gates opened he travelled with authority, covering the ground with a powerful, efficient stride. The only question for jockey Mickaël Barzalona was when to ask for the finish.
As soon as he gave the command, the four‑year‑old responded instantly, accelerating through the final stages and crossing the line well ahead of his rivals. Bright Picture, ridden patiently, 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 – Daryz’s owners in France – spoke to the Press Association after the race.
“We’re obviously delighted with his performance on his seasonal debut – it was suitably impressive,” she said. “We have always believed he possesses the class to be a genuine Group One performer, and today he proved that beyond any doubt.
He still has room for improvement this year, but he has already shown he can handle top‑level competition.” Routh emphasized the decision to keep the colt in training rather than retire him after his Arc win, noting that the connections wanted to demonstrate that his triumph in October was not a one‑off. “He’s a very special horse, and we wanted to show the world that his Arc victory was not a flash in the pan,” she added. “We have always held him in the highest regard, and today’s performance confirms his status as a true Group One talent.” Following the Ganay win, Daryz’s odds were cut dramatically, moving from 10‑1 to 5‑1 as punters reassessed his chances of defending his Arc title later in the autumn.
However, his team has a series of ambitious targets lined up before the big end‑of‑year test. The next race on their calendar is the Prix Aga Khan IV – formerly known as the Prix d’Ispahan – scheduled for next month over nine and a half furlongs. This race is expected to serve as a stepping‑stone toward the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot in June. Routh explained the strategic shift in distance: “We plan to drop him back even further for the Prix Aga Khan IV.
The race is a touch sharper than today’s ten‑furlong test, and we have no concerns about his ability to handle it. Daryz thrives on a strong, honest pace; he is happiest when he can settle into a comfortable rhythm and then unleash his turn of foot.
Every rider who has been on him remarks on his versatility and willingness to follow any tempo.” She continued, “The aim is to use the Aga Khan IV as a perfect preparation for the Prince of Wales’s Stakes. The timing works well, giving him a solid run in the spring before the Ascot meeting. Our plan for the first half of the year is clear: the Ganay, then the Aga Khan IV, and finally the Prince of Wales’s Stakes.
We are still shaping the second half of the season, but the early schedule reflects our confidence in his ability to compete at the highest level across a range of distances.” The decision to keep Daryz in training also reflects a broader philosophy within the Aga Khan Studs to develop horses that can perform consistently at elite levels rather than retiring them after a single marquee win. By targeting a mix of middle‑distance and slightly shorter Group One contests, the connections hope to refine his stamina, speed, and tactical adaptability. This approach not only enhances his racing résumé but also increases his future value as a breeding prospect, given his distinguished pedigree and proven versatility. In summary, Daryz’s flawless victory in the Prix Ganay has set the stage for an ambitious campaign that includes a key spring target in the Prix Aga Khan IV and a coveted run in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot.
With his powerful turn of foot, love of a brisk pace, and the backing of a world‑class training operation, the four‑year‑old is poised to become one of the standout middle‑distance performers of the season. Fans and punters alike will be watching closely as his connections map out the remainder of his campaign, eager to see whether he can add further Group One victories to his already impressive record.