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Amid a impressive display of endurance and breeding, the promising colt caught the strongly fancied the favorite filly in the closing moments of the 104th Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe on Sunday. The victory came in the iconic green and red silks once worn by the late owner, who died earlier this year. “He was bred for such races,” stated a family member post-race. “On both sides, sire and dam are Group One winners over this trip, making him born to get 2,400m and I think it showed today.”

An Impressive Ascent for Daryz

Sunday’s contest marked just the seventh race of the colt’s racing life, all during his third-year campaign, and the first time at a mile-and-a-half. He becomes the latest victor of the Arc for the racing and breeding operation established in 1921, a sequence dating back to 1948, and additionally the first winner in the distinctive silks after an unbeaten mare’s success back in the previous decade.

This is a amazing experience and today was exactly what we planned to do,” said the trainer. Daryz was very tough to catch up with the filly. Winning the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe now in this silks is simply unbelievable. Before, it was just a dream, but today it has become reality to me.”

Main Contributors in the Triumph

Rider Mickaël Barzalona, known for taking the Derby as a 19-year-old over a decade ago, came from behind to chase down Aidan O’Brien’s female horse by a head. This was a first Arc success for both Barzalona and trainer, sealing an outstanding season for the latter. Previously in July, Graffard had took the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes with a different horse, who was barred from lining up in the Arc.

Among very few setbacks for the stable in the campaign was Daryz’s disappointing performance during summer behind Ombudsman. But, Graffard feels that race helped toughen the horse for the autumn. “When I was arranging to run there, I said to the owner, ‘we won’t going to win, but we need to build his resilience for later in the year,’” the trainer explained. In my view, the loss in that race helped us to succeed today because my horse was, now, fully focused and experienced.”

Rider’s Reflections and Future for the Second Place

Barzalona shared great satisfaction after his extended wait for an Arc winner has ended. We always rated him,” Barzalona remarked. After going to York it was a messy contest, but he returned much improved. In his mind and physically, he has improved significantly and today he was composed. He moved smoothly, he picked up strongly. Everything came together today to win.”

Minnie Hauk, undefeated in her previous races this season, performed to her usual standard and was well ahead of the third runner. It is every chance that the filly may stay in training next season, with a return to the Paris track at the top of her agenda.

Christophe Soumillon, who also piloted Dalakhani to victory in identical silks, briefly seemed to have made a decisive move heading into the final furlong. “No excuses,” he said. “When I felt Barzalona approaching in the final furlong, I saved a bit back for the end and we went together, but his horse has a strong dash and he loves the track conditions. If you take him out, the filly could have been among the most impressive Arc-winning fillies, but that is horse racing.”

What’s Next and Closing Thoughts

Currently no definite arrangements so far for Daryz, but the last comment on the this year’s race certainly goes to the breeder, the third generation of the family to welcome back an Arc champion. It represents the ultimate achievement for a owner-breeder,” she said. “My dad was always so thrilled to claim an Arc de Triomphe, and today I understand what it felt like.”