Daryz Secures Historic Back-to-Back Arc de Triomphe Victory

Daryz etched his name into the record books on Sunday by claiming the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe for the second consecutive year, becoming just the ninth horse in history to achieve the feat. The four-year-old colt won the richest flat race in Europe with a commanding performance at ParisLongchamp.

Riding the 13-8 favorite once again was Mickael Barzalona, who guided Daryz through the 16-horse field to surge ahead in the final stages. He crossed the line by more than a length ahead of Bay City Roller, who started at 28-1, while Aidan O’Brien’s Diamond Necklace secured third place at 10-1 odds.

The victory marks a historic milestone as the first time a colt has doubled up in the Arc since Lester Piggott rode Alleged to victory in 1977 and 1978. It also follows the previous back-to-back wins by the mare Enable in 2017 and 2018.

Keeping a reigning Arc champion in training for a fourth year is considered a significant gamble in the thoroughbred world, as many top-class colts are retired to stud at age three to capitalize on lucrative breeding fees. However, the strategy paid off for owners Aga Khan Studs, who collected a winner’s prize of over £2.5 million.

Barzalona praised the horse’s resilience after a race that did not unfold as planned. “To win this kind of race twice proves that Daryz is an exceptional horse,” Barzalona told Sky Sports. “It was a really tough race, it didn’t go as we expected but he showed his talent and that made the difference in the end.”

Trainer Francis-Henri Graffard, securing his second triumph in the event, expressed pride in his champion. “He’s a good horse, he’s a champion,” Graffard said. “I always try to keep my feet on the ground because it is so hard to win these races, but I knew that if things were going right for him during the trip he was very hard to beat.”

Daryz adds two more Group One victories to his tally this season, following a dominant performance in his Arc preparation race last month.