How a French Thoroughbred achieved back-to-back victories in Europe's most prestigious horse race
In short: Foaled in 2022, Daryz emerged as a dominant force in international horse racing. Bred by the Aga Khan Studs, the colt secured consecutive wins at the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, cementing his legacy before retiring to stud in October 2026 as one of the sport's most celebrated champions.
Daryz, a French Thoroughbred foaled on May 2, 2022, was sired by the champion Sea the Stars and out of the successful mare Daryakana. Trained by Francis-Henri Graffard for the Aga Khan Studs, the horse did not compete as a two-year-old. His three-year-old season began in 2025 with a series of victories at Longchamp, including the Prix Juigné, Prix De Croissy, and Prix Ridgway. He later secured a win at the Prix Eugène Adam before facing a setback at the International Stakes in York, where he placed sixth.
The turning point of his career occurred at the 2025 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. As the richest turf race in Europe, the event drew a large field of 17 runners. Daryz, benefiting from a favorable draw in the second stall, surged forward in the final 50 meters to defeat Minnie Hauk by a head. This victory was particularly significant for the Aga Khan family, marking their eighth win in the race's history and providing a poignant moment for Princess Zahra Aga Khan following the death of Aga Khan IV earlier that year. By the end of 2025, Daryz held a joint seventh-place ranking in the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities ratings.
In 2026, Daryz returned for his four-year-old season, winning the Prix Ganay by 3.5 lengths. His dominance culminated on October 4, 2026, when he won the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe for the second consecutive year, becoming the first colt to achieve this feat since Alleged in 1978. Following this historic performance, his connections decided he had nothing left to prove. On October 9, 2026, the Aga Khan Studs announced his retirement from racing, transitioning the champion to a career as a stallion.
The success of Daryz highlights the meticulous planning of his team, including jockey Mickael Barzalona. While his performance at the International Stakes showed vulnerability, his ability to adapt to different distances and track conditions demonstrated his versatility. His retirement marks the end of a brief but impactful racing career that honored a century-long breeding legacy.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Daryz
- Also: Wikidata — Daryz · CC0
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