Francis‑Henri Graffard has announced that Daryz will be aimed at Royal Ascot after the horse delivered a flawless start to his season with a commanding win in the Prix Ganay at ParisLongchamp. The offspring of the legendary Sea The Stars appeared poised to become a superstar after clinching his first four starts last year. Although he later fell short in the Juddmonte International at York and was defeated in his subsequent home‑soil outing, Daryz rebounded spectacularly by capturing a thrilling Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in October. Entering the 10‑furlong Group One at Longchamp, Daryz was among the top favourites to continue his resurgence.
From the moment the gates opened, he travelled with authority, covering the distance powerfully. The only question was when jockey Mickael Barzalona would ask him for his effort. The moment Barzalona gave the cue, Daryz responded instantly, shifting gears and accelerating to the finish line with decisive speed, securing the victory. Bright Picture, who had been ridden patiently throughout, emerged as the best of the remaining field, taking second place.
The Group One‑winning mare Aventure completed the podium in third. Nemone Routh, the manager representing the Aga Khan Studs—owners of Daryz—in France, spoke to the Press Association, expressing delight at the horse's performance. "We are obviously very pleased with his seasonal debut; he was suitably impressive," Routh said. Routh added that the team had always believed Daryz possessed the quality to compete at the highest level and expected him to improve further over the course of the year.
"He is a very special horse, which is why we kept him in training. We wanted to prove that his Arc win was not a one‑off," she explained. "We have always held him in high regard, and today he has confirmed that he is a genuine Group One performer." Following the win, bookmakers trimmed Daryz's odds for defending his Arc title in the autumn from 10‑to‑1 to 5‑to‑1. However, his connections have several other elite targets before the end‑of‑year showdown.
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, offers a slightly sharper test than the Ganay and is viewed as a perfect stepping‑stone toward the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot in June. Routh elaborated on the plan: "We intend to drop him back in distance for the Prix Aga Khan IV. It is a bit sharper than today’s race, but we have no concerns because Daryz thrives on a strong, fast pace.
He is happiest when he can stride freely, and anyone who has ridden him says he can handle any tempo." She continued, "We hope the shorter trip will suit him well, and the timing of the Aga Khan race is ideal as preparation for the Prince of Wales's Stakes. Our roadmap for the first half of the year is clear: the Ganay, then the Prix Aga Khan IV, and finally Ascot. We have yet to finalise our program for the latter part of the season, but that is the current plan." The team’s confidence is rooted in Daryz's demonstrated versatility.
His ability to dominate over a mile and a quarter in the Ganay, then potentially excel over the slightly shorter nine‑and‑a‑half‑furlong distance, suggests a horse that can adapt to varying race conditions while maintaining a high cruising speed. Moreover, his pedigree—being a son of Sea The Stars—provides a genetic foundation for both stamina and turn of foot, attributes essential for success in the competitive fields typical of Royal Ascot. Observers note that Daryz’s racing style—relentlessly pressing the pace and then unleashing a powerful finishing kick—makes him an ideal candidate for the Prince of Wales's Stakes, a race that often rewards horses capable of sustaining a swift tempo before accelerating in the final stages. If he can replicate the same level of composure and vigor shown at Longchamp, he could pose a serious threat to the established elite.
In addition to his on‑track credentials, Daryz’s temperament and training regimen have earned praise from his handlers. Barzalona, who has partnered the colt in several key outings, remarked that the horse displays a rare blend of confidence and responsiveness, making him a pleasure to ride. "He gives you the feeling that he can handle any pace," Barzalona said, echoing Routh’s sentiments. The upcoming months will be crucial for Daryz’s campaign.
A successful run in the Prix Aga Khan IV would not only solidify his reputation as a top‑class middle‑distance performer but also provide valuable experience ahead of the June meeting at Ascot. The team will likely fine‑tune his training to ensure peak fitness, while also monitoring his recovery after each race to maintain his condition. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely, eager to see whether Daryz can translate his Arc glory and recent Ganay dominance into a victory at the historic Royal Ascot meeting. If the horse continues on his current trajectory, the Prince of Wales's Stakes could become another marquee triumph in an already impressive résumé.
Stay tuned for further updates as Daryz prepares for his next challenges, and keep an eye on the racing calendar for more news, interviews, and in‑depth features on this remarkable thoroughbred.