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In a stunning performance of stamina and pedigree, the promising colt overtook the hot favorite the favorite filly in the final strides of the historic Arc de Triomphe on Sunday. This win came wearing the iconic red and green silks previously associated with his late breeder, who died earlier this year. “He was born for such races,” stated his owner’s daughter after the race. “On both sides, sire and dam were Group One winners at the distance, so he was destined to handle 2,400m and I think it showed on Sunday.”

A Remarkable Rise for the Young Colt

The contest marked just the seventh start of Daryz’s racing life, all during his third-year season, and his first over 2,400 meters. He is the latest Arc winner for the thoroughbred operation established in 1921, a tradition dating back to 1948, and also the first triumph in the green and red silks after an unbeaten champion’s victory in 2008.

This is a amazing feeling and Sunday was precisely what we planned to accomplish,” said the trainer. “My horse was extremely determined to catch up with Minnie Hauk. Winning the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe now in these colours is just crazy. Before, it was only a fantasy, but today it has become reality for us.”

Main Contributors in the Triumph

Rider Mickaël Barzalona, known for taking the Derby as a teenager over a decade ago, came from the pack to run down the Irish trainer’s female horse by a narrow margin. It marked a first Arc success for each of the jockey and Francis-Henri Graffard, sealing an excellent season for the trainer. Earlier this summer, Graffard also took the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes with a different horse, which got barred from competing on Sunday.

Among the rare disappointments for the stable this season was Daryz’s below-par performance in August against Ombudsman. However, Graffard feels that experience contributed to toughen the colt for the autumn. “When I was planning to run there, I said Princess Zahra, ‘we are not victorious, but it’s necessary to build his resilience for later in the year,’” Graffard stated. In my view, the loss in that race played a part to succeed on Sunday because my horse was, now, fully focused and mature.”

Rider’s Thoughts and Future for the Second Place

Barzalona shared immense joy after his long wait for an Arc winner has ended. We always rated him,” Barzalona said. “When we went to York it was a messy race, but he came back a lot stronger. Mentally and in condition, he has progressed significantly and on Sunday he was very relaxed. He travelled very well, he accelerated very well. All factors came together in this race to win.”

Minnie Hauk, undefeated in her previous starts this season, ran up to her best and finished a long way ahead of the third-placed runner. There is likely that she will continue racing at four, with a return to the Paris track at the top of her agenda.

Christophe Soumillon, who also piloted Dalakhani to success in identical silks, briefly seemed to have made a decisive move entering the last stretch. “No excuses,” Soumillon admitted. “When I felt the winner approaching in the last 200 meters, I saved a bit in reserve for the end and we went side by side, but Daryz has a strong finish and he loves the track conditions. If you take him in the race, she would have been among the most dominant Arc-winning female horses, but that is horse racing.”

Future Plans and Final Words

There are no definite arrangements as yet for Sunday’s winner, but the final word on the this year’s race undoubtedly goes to the breeder, the third generation of the family to celebrate an Arc champion. It represents the ultimate achievement for a breeder,” Princess Zahra said. My father was always so thrilled to win an Arc de Triomphe, and now I know what it felt like.”