Victory at ParisLongchamp

Daryz secured victory in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at ParisLongchamp on Sunday, winning Europe's richest flat race for the second consecutive year. The four-year-old entered the race as the 13-8 favourite under jockey Mickael Barzalona and trainer Francis-Henri Graffard. After navigating through the 16-strong field, Daryz launched a late burst in the closing stages to hit the front and win by more than a length. English outsider Bay City Roller, running at odds of 28-1, finished in second place. Irish filly Diamond Necklace, trained by Aidan O'Brien and sent off at 10-1, took third place, while Friendly Soul finished fourth.

Navigating the outside stall challenge

The race presented tactical hurdles for several leading contenders across the Longchamp course. Both Bay City Roller and Diamond Necklace secured podium finishes despite being drawn in the feared outside stalls of the 16-runner field. Daryz had to battle for racing room as the field approached the home straight before Barzalona found an opening. Once clear of traffic, the colt surged down the outside to overhaul Bay City Roller. The decisive margin contrasted with Daryz's 2025 victory in the race, which required a photo finish to separate the winner from the field.

Princess Zahra Aga Khan, who manages the Aga Khan Studs, expressed confidence in both horse and jockey following the contest.

He has such a will to win, and such speed, I was pretty relaxed.

Milestone for colts and racing pedigree

The triumph made Daryz the ninth horse in the history of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe to win the event two times. The four-year-old became the first male horse to double up in the Arc in 48 years, emulating the colt Alleged, who won successive renewals in 1977 and 1978 for trainer Vincent O'Brien. Daryz also became the first back-to-back winner of Europe's premier flat race since the filly Enable won consecutive titles in 2017 and 2018. The win added another chapter to the Aga Khan family's long record in the race, which previously included the victory of the unbeaten filly Zarkava in 2008.

Aga Khan operation and retirement to stud

Princess Zahra Aga Khan took over the leadership of the Aga Khan Studs following the death of her father last year. She credited trainer Francis-Henri Graffard and the broader team for maintaining Daryz's form across two championship seasons. She also reflected on the enduring popularity of the green and red racing silks with racing spectators, noting the team has 104 years of racing history. When asked whether Daryz would return to ParisLongchamp in 2027 to pursue a third Arc victory, Princess Zahra ruled out another campaign.

No, I doubt it very much. He has other duties to perform.

The decision confirms that Daryz will conclude his racing career and transition to breeding duties at stud rather than attempting to race again next season.