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In a impressive performance of endurance and breeding, the promising colt caught the hot favorite the favorite filly in the final strides of the historic Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe this weekend. This win came wearing the famous green and red silks once associated with his late breeder, who passed away in February. He is born for such races,” stated a family member post-race. From both parents, his father and mother are Group One winners over this trip, so he was born to get the mile-and-a-half and I think it showed today.”

A Remarkable Ascent for the Young Colt

Sunday’s race was only the seventh race of Daryz’s racing life, all in his three-year-old season, and the first time over 2,400 meters. He becomes the seventh victor of the Arc for the racing and breeding stable founded in 1921, a tradition that stretches back to 1948, and also the first triumph in the green and red colors since an unbeaten mare’s success back in 2008.

“It’s a amazing experience and today was precisely what we aimed to accomplish,” commented Francis-Henri Graffard. Daryz was extremely determined to close with the filly. Winning the Arc today in these colours is simply unbelievable. In the past, it was just a dream, but now it has become reality for us.”

Key Players in the Triumph

Rider Mickaël Barzalona, known for won the Epsom Derby as a 19-year-old over a decade ago, came from behind to chase down the Irish trainer’s filly by a head. This was a maiden win for each of Barzalona and trainer, sealing an outstanding year for the latter. Previously this summer, Graffard had took the prestigious Ascot race with another horse, who was prevented from lining up on Sunday.

Among very few setbacks for the yard in the campaign was Daryz’s below-par performance during summer against another rival. But, Graffard believes that race helped strengthen the colt for the autumn. While planning to run at York, I told Princess Zahra, ‘we are not going to win, but it’s necessary to build his resilience for later in the year,’” Graffard explained. In my view, the loss at York played a part to win today because my horse was, for the first time, very professional and mature.”

Rider’s Thoughts and Future for the Runner-Up

Barzalona expressed great satisfaction that his long wait for an Arc victory has ended. We always rated him,” he said. “When we went to York it was a disorganized contest, but he returned a lot stronger. Mentally and in condition, he has progressed a lot and today he was very relaxed. He moved smoothly, he accelerated very well. Everything came together today to secure victory.”

Minnie Hauk, undefeated in her previous races this season, performed to her usual standard and finished well ahead of the third runner. It is every chance that she will stay in training at four, with another attempt to the Paris track as a main goal of her agenda.

Christophe Soumillon, previously rode Dalakhani to victory in the same colours, briefly seemed to have made a winning move heading into the last stretch. No reasons,” Soumillon said. “When I felt Barzalona approaching in the last 200 meters, I saved a bit back for the finish and we went together, but his horse has a strong finish and he loves the track conditions. Without him out, the filly could have been among the most impressive Arc-winning fillies, but that is horse racing.”

What’s Next and Final Words

There are no definite arrangements as yet for Daryz, but the final word on the this year’s race undoubtedly belongs to the breeder, the third generation of the family to welcome back an Arc winner. “This is the ultimate achievement for a breeder,” she declared. My father was always so thrilled to claim an Arc, and today I know what it felt like.”