Andy Newton

Two-time Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Daryz retired

by
Andy Newton
9 October 2026

Just days after securing his place in racing folklore at ParisLongchamp, superstar colt Daryz has been officially retired to stud, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable career as a dual-winning hero of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

On Sunday, October 4, 2026, the Francis-Henri Graffard-trained four-year-old produced a commanding performance under Mickael Barzalona, powering clear to defend his title in Europe’s premier weight-for-age contest.

He crossed the line 1¼ lengths ahead of Bay City Roller to secure another historic victory.

It was a landmark achievement.

Daryz became the first colt to win the Arc in consecutive years since Vincent O’Brien’s legendary Alleged in 1977 and 1978.

🚨 Dual Arc winner #Daryz has been retired from racing following his historic second victory on Sunday.

Renowned for his exceptional turn of foot, the son of #SeaTheStars now embarks on a new chapter as part of the Aga Khan stallion roster.

➡️ https://t.co/LeZWCaz7k1 🟢🔴 pic.twitter.com/jR8zRybuRm

— Aga Khan Studs (@AgaKhanStuds) October 9, 2026

Superstar mares Enable (2017, 2018) and Treve (2013, 2014) have also completed the famous double in recent decades, but no male horse had managed ‘back-to-back’ victories for almost half a century.

His connections have now chosen to retire him while he remains at the peak of his powers.

Daryz leaves the track as a genuine history maker, although his retirement means he will not pursue one of racing’s greatest prizes.

And now not have the chance to become the first horse ever to win the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe three times.

WATCH: Daryz Winning the 2026 Prix de lArc de Triomphe

Tributes to a Generation-Defining Champion

Reflecting on the decision to retire the four-year-old son of Sea The Stars, trainer Francis-Henri Graffard paid an emotional tribute to his stable star:

“He has given us everything a horse can possibly give. To come back to Longchamp a year after his three-year-old victory and deliver a performance of that magnitude proves what a rare, extraordinary athlete he is. He owes us nothing, and it is only right that he heads off to his new career at stud happy, healthy, and at the top of his game.”

Jockey Mickael Barzalona, who partnered Daryz in all his top-level triumphs, was equally full of praise:

“He is simply a horse of a lifetime. The acceleration he shows when you ask him for maximum effort is unique. To win one Arc is a dream-to win two with him is something I will cherish for the rest of my life.”

Career Profile: Daryz (FR)

Age at Retirement: Four-year-old colt
Pedigree: Sea The Stars / Daryakana (Selkirk)
Owner: Aga Khan Studs
Trainer: Francis-Henri Graffard
Total Career Runs: 12
Career Record: 9 wins, 1 second and 1 third
Group 1 Wins: 4 (2025 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, 2026 Prix Ganay, 2026 Prix Aga Khan IV and 2026 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe)
Career Prize Money: £5,421,971

Daryz Key Career Highlights

2025 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1): Daryz announced himself on the world stage as a three-year-old, producing a devastating turn of foot to edge out Minnie Hauk in a thrilling finish.
2026 Dominance in France: He began his four-year-old campaign in outstanding form, dominating both the Group 1 Prix Ganay and the Group 1 Prix Aga Khan IV at Longchamp.
2026 Qatar Prix Foy (G2): Daryz fine-tuned his preparations for the Arc title defence by holding off Bay City Roller.
2026 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1): On October 4, Daryz made history with another decisive victory over Bay City Roller, joining Alleged, Ribot and Corrida among the elite names to have won the Arc in consecutive years.