Daryz wins back-to-back Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe titles at Longchamp

Daryz secured back-to-back victories in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp in Paris, matching Alleged’s feat from 1978 by overcoming a rough race to win the turf contest under jockey Mickaël Barzalona.

Daryz Triumphs Again at Longchamp

The uber-modernist grandstand at Longchamp witnessed its first back-to-back Arc winner as Daryz surged down the straight to claim victory. The colt did not hit the front until inside the final furlong, running down Bay City Roller, who had disputed the lead for much of the race under jockey Oisin Murphy. Christophe Soumillon guided Aidan O’Brien’s Diamond Necklace into third place from the widest draw of the field.

To win this kind of race twice proves that Daryz is an exceptional horse. It was a really tough race, it didn’t go as we expected but he showed his talent and that made the difference in the end.

Mickaël Barzalona

Graffard Reflects on a Championship Season

Trainer Francis-Henri Graffard watched his stable star seal another remarkable, championship-winning season that has yielded more than twice the prize money of runner-up trainer André Fabre. Graffard admitted to feeling heavy pressure before the race despite knowing his horse was in prime condition.

He’s a champion. It’s rare I’m confident before a race as it is so hard in a race like this, but I knew things were going right and he’d be very hard to beat.

Francis-Henri Graffard

The trainer noted that the team kept losing position early in the contest, finding themselves further back than anticipated before utilizing the colt’s acceleration.

Breeding Plans Loom Over a Potential Third Arc

Despite the nature of the victory, the sunny afternoon at Longchamp brought immediate indications that Daryz will likely not return for a third Arc title. Princess Zahra Aga Khan, who assumed the running of Aga Khan Studs following the death of her father in 2025, discussed the risks of keeping a champion in training.

We’re breeders. You get to the point where you’re taking a risk every time you run the horse. He’s improved with age, that’s true, and the dam did, but would we want him to train on for another year? I’m not sure. I think he has other things to do.

Princess Zahra Aga Khan

Bay City Roller Eyes Next October

With Daryz expected to begin his first covering season at stud ahead of the racing clans gathering in Paris next year, the beaten field is left to look toward future targets. George Scott, trainer of runner-up Bay City Roller, confirmed plans for his horse following a strong performance from stall 15 on ground that proved quicker than ideal.

I could see Daryz coming, but it was an incredible run. What an amazing racehorse he is and what an amazing ride. He wears his heart on his sleeve, and he’s got all the talent and ability to go with it. Second in the Arc, but we need to go one better.

George Scott

Whether Bay City Roller or any other challenger can step into the void left by Daryz's retirement to stud will be clear when the race returns next October.