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Amid a stunning display of endurance and breeding, Daryz passed the strongly fancied the favorite filly in the final strides of the historic Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe this weekend. The victory came in the iconic green and red colors previously associated with his late breeder, who died in February. “He was bred for such races,” remarked his owner’s daughter post-race. “On both sides, sire and dam were Group One winners at the distance, making him destined to get 2,400m and it’s clear it showed today.”

A Remarkable Ascent for the Young Colt

Sunday’s contest marked just the seventh start of Daryz’s racing life, all during his three-year-old campaign, and the first time at a mile-and-a-half. He is the latest victor of the Arc for the thoroughbred operation established in 1921, a sequence that stretches back to 1948, and also the first winner in the distinctive silks after an unbeaten mare’s success in 2008.

“It’s a great feeling and Sunday was exactly what we planned to do,” commented the trainer. “My horse was very tough to catch up with Minnie Hauk. To win the Arc now in these colours is simply unbelievable. Before, it was just a dream, but today it has become reality to me.”

Key Players in the Victory

Rider Barzalona, who famously won the Epsom Derby as a 19-year-old over a decade ago, emerged from behind to run down the Irish trainer’s female horse by a head. This was a first Arc success for both the jockey and trainer, sealing an outstanding year for the latter. Previously this summer, Graffard had took the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes with another runner, which got barred from competing in the Arc.

One of very few disappointments for the stable this season was Daryz’s below-par performance in August behind another rival. However, the trainer believes that race contributed to toughen the horse for this race. While arranging to run at York, I told to the owner, ‘we won’t victorious, but it’s necessary to build his resilience for later in the year,’” Graffard explained. In my view, the loss at York helped us to succeed on Sunday because my horse was, for the first time, very professional and experienced.”

Jockey’s Reflections and Future for the Runner-Up

Barzalona expressed great joy that his long wait for an Arc victory is over. We always believed in him,” Barzalona said. “When we went to York it was a messy contest, but he returned much improved. In his mind and in condition, he has progressed significantly and on Sunday he was very relaxed. He travelled smoothly, he picked up strongly. Everything came together today to win.”

Minnie Hauk, undefeated in her four races this year, ran to her usual standard and was well clear of the third-placed runner. It is likely that she will continue racing at four, with a return to Longchamp at the top of her plans.

Christophe Soumillon, who also piloted a past winner to success in the same colours, briefly appeared to have made a decisive move heading into the last stretch. No reasons,” Soumillon admitted. “When I felt the winner approaching in the final furlong, I kept a bit in reserve for the finish and we raced side by side, but his horse has a strong finish and he loves the ground. If you take him out, she could have been one of the most dominant Arc-winning fillies, but that is horse racing.”

Future Plans and Closing Thoughts

There are no plans as yet for Sunday’s winner, but the last comment on the this year’s race undoubtedly goes to the owner, the third generation of her family to welcome back an Arc champion. “This is the pinnacle for a breeder,” Princess Zahra said. “My dad was always so thrilled to win an Arc, and today I understand how he felt.”