Aga Khan Studs homebred Sea the Stars colt Daryz closed out 2025 with a win in the Group I Arc de Triomphe and was back in action overnight at Longchamp winning the Group I Prix Ganay (2100m).
Trained by Francis Henri Graffard and ridden by Mickael Barzalona, Daryz was sent off favourite for his seasonal return and gave notice that he will be a serious player at the top level again this year when racing clear for a dominant three and a half length win.
“It was the perfect comeback race. They didn't go that fast, but Daryz settled really well and he was able to deploy that acceleration of his that we know we have,” said Francis-Henri Graffard.
“I didn't feel too much pressure beforehand because on paper it was a race that he should well and truly have won and he didn't disappoint us.”
Royal Ascot is the immediate goal for Daryz.
“His objective will be the Prince of Wales’s Stakes (G1) at Ascot in June, and the race that falls in between is the Prix Aga Khan IV (G1 on May 21) , so we’ll discuss that as an option,” Graffard added.
With six wins from eight starts, Daryz is a half-brother to Group I winner Dariyan, Group II winner Davamani and stakes-winners Darkaniya, Dariyza and Darabad, so he is the second G1 winner among six stakes-winners from Group I winning blue hen Daryakana.
Winner of the Group I Hong Kong Vase, Daryakana is a daughter of Champion French 3YO Filly Daryaba, so Daryz is very much a blueblood for the Aga Khan breeding operation.
