Daryz races to second straight Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe crown

Paris – Daryz became only the ninth horse to win Europe’s most prestigious race, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, for a second time as he triumphed in impressive style at Longchamp racecourse on Sunday.

He stormed clear under Mickael Barzalona to become the first two-time winner since Enable in 2017 and 2018 and first colt (male) to achieve the feat since Alleged almost half a century ago.

Daryz had to battle to get a clear run but once Barzalona managed to find a path he surged down the outside to overhaul English outsider Bay City Roller.

Bay City Roller took second with Irish filly Diamond Necklace third — those two making a mockery of being in the feared outside stalls of the 16 runners.

For the Daryz team it was unbridled joy.

“I was never worried,” said Princess Zahra Aga Khan, who took over the racing operation of the Aga Khan Studs after the death of her father last year.

“He has such a will to win, and such speed, I was pretty relaxed.

“Also Mickael is so calm, and I have such faith in him.

“This is a huge achievement, and I congratulate the whole team including Francis (Graffard, the trainer).”

Princess Zahra said the win had made her think of her father, who enjoyed great success in the Arc including the fabulous unbeaten Zarkava, who triumphed in 2008.

“Why do the crowd love our colors?” said the princess.

“Well we have been around since Noah’s flood,” she added, with a laugh.

“I think it is because of 104 years of history.”

She was, though, less confident about whether Daryz would return next year to try and become the first three-time winner.

“No, I doubt it very much,” she said. “He has other duties to perform.”