Arc Hero Daryz to Remain in Training in 2026
The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1) winner Daryz will stay in training as a 4-year-old, the Aga Khan Studs revealed Oct. 9.
The 3-year-old colt secured the biggest win of his career when defeating Minnie Hauk in a memorable battle in France’s showcase race Oct. 5, but his future was unclear following the race.
However, unlike his sire Sea The Stars , Daryz could bid to retain his crown as a 4-year-old after his connections enacted a plan to race on next season rather than head to stud. He will not run again as a 3-year-old.
Nemone Routh, racing manager of the Aga Khan Studs in France, said: “Daryz has taken his race very well and is in good form following his top-class performance. He is a beautiful horse who resembles his sire and has a great constitution. He progressed throughout the season and we are very much looking forward to seeing what he can accomplish next year.”
Daryz produced an excellent performance to win his first group 1 Oct. 5, achieving a Racing Post Rating of 128. Only Enable in 2017 and Ace Impact in 2023 recorded higher figures in the last decade.
Daryz was unraced at 2 and only made a winning debut at Longchamp in April. He then added two more victories at the same track, including the listed Prix Ridgway in June, before taking his unbeaten run to four in the Prix Eugene Adam (G2) at Saint-Cloud later that month.
His trainer Francis Graffard opted to send him to Britain for the Juddmonte International (G1) at York, but Daryz raced too keenly in the rear and trailed in last of the six runners behind Ombudsman .
However, he enhanced his Arc claims with an eye-catching prep run when second to Croix du Nord in the Prix du Prince d’Orange (G3) in September before going one better on his first try over a mile-and-a-half on Sunday.
Daryz has the pedigree to make an excellent sire as not only is he by the great Sea The Stars, but his dam Daryakana won the Hong Kong Vase (G1) in 2009, making him a half brother to the group 1 winner Dariyan and four other winners.
Daryz defeats Minnie Hauk to win the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
