Daryz secured his second consecutive victory in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe on Sunday, marking a historic achievement at the modernized Longchamp racecourse. Ridden by Mickaël Barzalona, the colt made a decisive late surge to overtake Bay City Roller in the final stages of the race, though he did not assume the lead until inside the final furlong. The victory represents only the sixth time in Arc history that a colt has won the prestigious European championship in consecutive years, with the last such occurrence being Alleged in 1978 under jockey Lester Piggott.
Bay City Roller, piloted by Oisin Murphy from stall 15, contested the lead for much of the race before being overtaken late. Christophe Soumillon brought Aidan O’Brien’s Diamond Necklace through from the widest draw to finish third. Barzalona noted that the race did not unfold as planned but that Daryz’s superior class ultimately prevailed. Trainer Francis-Henri Graffard expressed confidence in the horse’s abilities and attributed success to the colt’s strong acceleration.
The victory caps a dominant season for Graffard’s stable, which has earned more than double the prize money of second-place trainer André Fabre. However, officials indicated that Sunday’s race may mark Daryz’s final competitive appearance. Princess Zahra Aga Khan, who oversees Aga Khan Studs, suggested the organization intends to retire the colt to begin his stallion career rather than risk further competition. Daryz is expected to commence his first covering season at stud, with his progeny potentially reaching racecourses in 2030.
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