Renowned for his exceptional turn of foot, Daryz echoed his own sire Sea The Stars by combining class with the versatility to excel over a range of distances and ground conditions. He retires as a six-time Group winner, including four victories at Group 1 level from nine to 12 furlongs.

Daryz is the first colt in almost half a century to achieve back-to-back Arc victories, joining an illustrious roll of honour that includes Ksar (1921-1922), Tantieme (1950-1951), Ribot (1955-1956) and Alleged (1977-1978) – all of whom later became influential stallions.

Representing a combination of two of Europe’s finest bloodlines, Daryz followed in the footsteps of Sea The Stars, who won the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe 17 years ago over a memorable weekend that also saw his dam, Daryakana, claim victory in the Prix de Royallieu. This high-class mare later took the Gr.1 Hong Kong Vase and has since established herself as one of the outstanding broodmares of her generation, producing seven Stakes horses including two Group 1 winners. She herself is out of Champion Three-Year-Old Filly Daryaba, winner of both the Prix de Diane and the Prix Vermeille.

Daryz also represents a good outcross, with his pedigree free of Danehill, Dubawi and Sadler’s Wells. 

Owner/breeder Princess Zahra Aga Khan said after the homebred colt’s first Arc triumph: “As a breeder, and as part of a legacy that stretches back more than a century, winning this race is the pinnacle of what one can achieve.”

Trainer Francis-Henri Graffard stated earlier this year: “Daryz possesses a sharper, more explosive acceleration. Since I began training, Daryz is clearly one of the best horses I have ever been responsible for. I am fortunate to work with many very good horses, but he is truly exceptional: beautifully bred, with a remarkable physique, particularly an outstanding hindquarter.”

Jockey Mickaël Barzalona, who partnered him in all nine of his career victories, said: “He is the kind of horse every jockey dreams of riding. He is a force of nature with an exceptional engine.”

Daryz now embarks on a new chapter in his story as part of the Aga Khan Studs stallion roster. Further details regarding stud arrangements will be announced in due course.