Full Breakdown
Daryz Secures Historic Back-to-Back Victory in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
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Historic Win at Longchamp
On October 4, 2026 the four-year-old colt Daryz, trained by Francis-Henri Graffard and ridden by Mickael Barzalona, won the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp, finishing ahead of Bay City Roller and Diamond Necklace in a field of sixteen.
Background and Context
Daryz’s triumph marks the first time a colt has retained the Arc since Alleged’s back-to-back victories in 1977-78. He joins the filly Enable as the only recent multiple-winner. Daryz, owned by the Aga Khan Studs and a son of Sea The Stars out of the Selkirk mare Daryakana, had already won the 2025 Arc.
Data and Statistics
- First colt since Alleged (1978) to win consecutive Arcs.
- Ninth horse overall to achieve two Arc victories.
- Winning odds: 13-8 favourite.
- Margin of victory: reported as a length and a quarter in several outlets and as a length and a half in others.
- Prize money: winner’s cheque of more than £2.5 million (the race carries a €5 million purse).
- Field size: 16 runners.
- Automatic Breeders’ Cup Turf berth: the win secured a “Win-and-You’re-In” entry for the Breeders’ Cup Turf later this year.
Official Statements & Responses
Princess Zahra Aga Khan called the victory “a huge achievement” and praised trainer Graffard and jockey Barzalona. Graffard highlighted the colt’s “champion” qualities, while Barzalona noted the race’s difficulty and the horse’s talent in overcoming a rough run. The connections confirmed Daryz is likely to begin a stallion career rather than contest a third Arc.
Verbatim Quotes
- “To win this kind of race twice proves that Daryz is an exceptional horse,” — Mickael Barzalona, jockey
- “This is a huge achievement, and I congratulate the whole team including Francis (Graffard, the trainer).” — Princess Zahra Aga Khan, owner
On-the-Ground Reports
The Longchamp crowd, estimated at about 30 000 spectators, cheered loudly as Daryz surged on the outside in the final straight. George Scott, who saddled Bay City Roller, called Daryz’s run “incredible.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact winning margin: The Guardian and Racing Post list it as a length and a quarter, while The Irish Field reports a length and a half. No official measurement has been released.