Francis‑Henri Graffard has announced that Daryz will be aimed at Royal Ascot following a flawless start to his campaign in the Prix Ganay at Longchamp, Paris. The four‑year‑old, a son of the legendary Sea The Stars, has already hinted at superstar status after winning his first four starts last season. Although he fell short in the Juddmonte International at York and was defeated on his next home‑soil outing, Daryz rebounded spectacularly by capturing a thrilling Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in October, confirming his class at the highest level. In the extended ten‑furlong Group One at Longchamp, Daryz entered as the hot favourite.
He travelled powerfully from the start, and the only question was when jockey Mickael Barzalona would ask him for more. The moment Barzalona gave the cue, the horse responded instantly, shifting gears and pulling away to secure a decisive victory. Bright Picture, ridden patiently, finished a clear second, while the Group One‑winning mare Aventure took third place. Nemone Routh, the manager for the Aga Khan Studs – Daryz’s owners in France – spoke to the Press Association after the race.
She said, "We are obviously delighted with his performance in his seasonal debut – he was suitably impressive. We have always believed he was as good as he looks, and he will likely improve further this 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.
We have always held him in high regard and today he has confirmed that he is a true Group One performer." Following the win, the betting market trimmed Daryz’s odds from 10‑1 to 5‑1 for a repeat Arc triumph later in the autumn. However, his connections have a series of top‑level targets before then. The next likely stepping‑stone is the Prix Aga Khan IV – formerly the Prix d’Ispahan – scheduled for next month over nine and a half furlongs. This race is expected to serve as a prep for the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot in June.
Routh added, "We plan to drop him back even further in distance now that he is heading for the Prix Aga Khan IV, which is a sharper race than today’s ten‑furlong test. We have no concerns about that because he thrives on a strong pace; he is happiest when he can stride freely, and every rider who has been on him says he can handle any tempo." She continued, "We hope the shorter trip will suit him perfectly, and the timing of the Aga Khan race makes it an ideal preparation for the Prince of Wales’s Stakes. Our plan for the first half of the year is clear: the Ganay, then the Prix Aga Khan IV, and finally Ascot.
We haven’t finalized the second half of the season yet, but that is the roadmap for now." Daryz’s resurgence has captured the attention of racing fans worldwide. After a modest start to his three‑year‑old season, his Arc victory demonstrated that he can compete against the very best over classic distances. The Prix Ganay win, achieved with a flawless turn of foot and a commanding finish, reinforces his reputation as a versatile middle‑distance performer capable of adapting to different race conditions. The trainer, Graffard, has praised the colt’s temperament and work ethic.
He noted that Daryz responds exceptionally well to training sessions that emphasize speed work, which aligns with Routh’s observations about his love for a brisk pace. This synergy between trainer, jockey, and owner suggests that the team will carefully manage his campaign to maximize his peak form for the spring and summer festivals. Looking ahead, the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot presents a significant challenge.
The race, run over ten furlongs, attracts some of the world’s elite middle‑distance horses, and a win there would cement Daryz’s status as a true champion. The team’s strategic use of the Prix Aga Khan IV as a prep race is designed to sharpen his turn of foot and test his ability to handle a slightly shorter distance while maintaining his powerful cruising speed.
If Daryz continues on this trajectory, he could become a dominant force in European Group One races throughout the year, potentially targeting the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes later in the summer and, of course, a repeat attempt at the Arc in the autumn. His pedigree, combined with his demonstrated resilience and adaptability, makes him a compelling prospect for any major middle‑distance contest.
In summary, Daryz’s flawless performance in the Prix Ganay has set the stage for an ambitious campaign that includes a targeted run at Royal Ascot’s Prince of Wales’s Stakes. With the support of the Aga Khan Studs, a skilled trainer, and a jockey who knows how to unleash his speed, the colt is poised to deliver further memorable performances on the world stage.