Daryz produced a stunning late surge to deny hot favourite Minnie Hauk in a dramatic finish to the 104th Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp on Sunday. The three-year-old colt, bred by the late Aga Khan IV, wore the iconic green-and-red silks as he collared the Aidan O'Brien-trained filly in the dying strides to win by a head.
Ridden by Mickaël Barzalona and trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, Daryz was making just his seventh career start and his first over a mile and a half. Princess Zahra Aga Khan, representing her father's breeding operation, said: 'He was born for this. On both sides, sire and dam, they were Group One winners at the distance, so he was born to get 2,400m and I think it showed.'
The victory was the seventh Arc success for the Aga Khan's operation, following Zarkava's win in 2008. Christophe Soumillon, riding Minnie Hauk, appeared to have the race won entering the final furlong, but Barzalona conjured a decisive run from Daryz to snatch victory. Sosie finished third, nearly six lengths behind the runner-up.
Graffard, celebrating his first Arc winner, credited a disappointing run at York in August for toughening up his colt. 'When I was planning to run at York, I said to Princess Zahra: “We are not going to win, but we need to toughen him up for the autumn.” I think the defeat at York helped us to win today because my horse was, for the first time, very professional and mature.'
Barzalona, who won the Epsom Derby in 2011, described the victory as immensely satisfying. 'We’ve always rated him. When we went to York it was a messy race, but he came back a lot stronger. Mentally and physically, he has improved a lot and today he was very relaxed.'
Soumillon offered no excuses for Minnie Hauk, who remains unbeaten this season. 'No excuses. When I felt Mickaël coming in the last 200, I kept a little back for the end and we went together, but his horse has a strong dash and he loves the ground.'
