Chronological coverage updated 4th October 2026 15:19.
Update 1 · 4th October 2026
Daryz Secures Back-to-Back Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe Victories at ParisLongchamp
Daryz produced a remarkable display at ParisLongchamp to defend his Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe title, pipping Bay City Roller in Europe's premier flat race. Guided by jockey Mickael Barzalona and trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, the colt sustained a decisive run once pulled out to challenge in the closing stages.
The victory marks the first time a colt has won back-to-back runnings of the Arc since 1977 and 1978, when Alleged accomplished the feat for trainer Vincent O'Brien and jockey Lester Piggott.
Daryz became the first colt in nearly 50 years to win back-to-back Prix de l'Arc de Triomphes, repeating a feat last achieved by Alleged in 1977 and 1978..
The Guardian reportedly quoted Mickael Barzalona (Winning jockey) as saying: “To win this kind of race twice he has to be a remarkable horse. It’s always a tough race and it didn’t go to plan but he deserved to win.”.
Graffard Relief and Stud Plans
Trainer Francis-Henri Graffard expressed immense relief following the victory, praising both the horse and the riding performance after acknowledging the pressure surrounding the title defense.
The Guardian reportedly quoted Francis-Henri Graffard (Winning trainer) as saying: “He’s a good horse – he’s a champion. It’s so hard a race to win – I was upset with myself for putting so much pressure on myself. The horse was really well and his rider was confident. He rode a beautiful race.”.
Despite Graffard jocularly wishing for a third attempt at the race, owner Princess Zahra Aga Khan confirmed at the post-race press conference that Daryz is unlikely to return to Longchamp next autumn. She noted that continuing to race presents inherent risks and suggested the horse is expected to retire to stud instead.
Group One Successes for O'Brien and Gosden
Elsewhere on the Longchamp card, Aidan O'Brien ended a challenging weekend by capturing the seven-furlong Group One Prix de la Forêt with True Love. Sent off at 5-2, True Love held off Nighttime and Puerto Rico in an eight-runner field where the top four in the market had previously met in July's Prix Jean Prat.
In the Prix de l'Opera, the British training partnership of John and Thady Gosden tasted victory with Miss Scott at 5-1. Jockeying for position after favourite Aventure came out awkwardly from the stalls, Miss Scott overtook early leader Jennifer Jane in the straight to prevail over Precise and Pink Panthera.
- Daryz is the first colt since Alleged in 1977-78 to win back-to-back Prix de l'Arc de Triomphes.
- Owner Princess Zahra Aga Khan signalled that the champion colt will likely retire to stud rather than race next year.
- Aidan O'Brien and the Gosden stable scored key supporting Group One victories on the Longchamp card.
