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In a impressive display of stamina and breeding, Daryz overtook the hot favorite Minnie Hauk in the closing moments of the 104th Arc de Triomphe on Sunday. The victory came in the famous red and green silks once worn by his late owner, who passed away in February. “He was born for such races,” stated a family member post-race. “On both sides, sire and dam were Group One winners over this trip, making him born to get 2,400m and it’s clear he proved it on Sunday.”

An Impressive Ascent for Daryz

Sunday’s contest was just the seventh start of Daryz’s career, all in his third-year campaign, and his first over 2,400 meters. He is the seventh Arc winner for the thoroughbred stable founded nearly a century ago, a sequence dating back to 1948, and also the first triumph in the green and red colors after an unbeaten mare’s victory in 2008.

This is a great experience and Sunday was precisely what we aimed to do,” commented Francis-Henri Graffard. Daryz was extremely determined to catch up with the filly. To win the Arc today in this silks is just crazy. Before, it was only a fantasy, but today it’s happening to me.”

Key Players in the Triumph

Rider Barzalona, known for won the Derby as a 19-year-old in 2011, came from behind to chase down the Irish trainer’s filly by a head. This was a maiden success for both the jockey and trainer, capping an outstanding season for the trainer. Previously in July, Graffard had took the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes with another runner, who was barred from competing on Sunday.

Among the rare disappointments for the yard in the campaign was the colt’s disappointing performance in August behind Ombudsman. However, Graffard believes that race contributed to toughen the colt for this race. “When I was arranging to run at York, I told Princess Zahra, ‘we are not going to win, but it’s necessary to build his resilience for the autumn,’” Graffard stated. “And I think, the loss in that race helped us to win on Sunday because my horse was, for the first time, very professional and mature.”

Rider’s Reflections and Prospects for the Second Place

The winning jockey expressed immense satisfaction that his extended quest for an Arc winner has ended. “We’ve always believed in him,” he remarked. After going to York it was a messy contest, but he returned much improved. In his mind and in condition, he has improved a lot and today he was very relaxed. He travelled very well, he picked up very well. All factors came together today to win.”

Minnie Hauk, undefeated in her previous races this season, performed up to her best and finished a long way ahead of the third-placed horse. There is every chance that the filly may continue racing at four, with another attempt to the Paris track at the top of her plans.

The jockey on the favorite, who also piloted Dalakhani to success in the same colours, for a moment seemed to have executed a winning run entering the last stretch. “No excuses,” Soumillon said. As I sensed the winner approaching in the last 200 meters, I kept a bit back for the end and we went side by side, but Daryz has a strong finish and thrives on the ground. If you take him in the race, the filly would have been among the most impressive Arc-winning female horses, but that’s racing.”

What’s Next and Closing Thoughts

There are no definite arrangements as yet for Sunday’s winner, but the final word on the this year’s race certainly belongs to the breeder, the third generation of her family to welcome back an Arc winner. It represents the pinnacle for a breeder,” Princess Zahra declared. My father was always so thrilled to claim an Arc, and today I know how he felt.”