Aga Khan Studs have announced the retirement to stud for Daryz, their homebred brilliant dual Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner, who won his second Arc last Sunday in Paris.
Daryz is the first colt in almost half a century to achieve back-to-back Arc victories, joining an illustrious roll of honour that includes Ksar (1921-1922), Tantieme (1950-1951), Ribot (1955-1956) and Alleged (1977-1978) – all of whom later became influential stallions.
Renowned for his exceptional turn of foot, Daryz followed in the footsteps of his own sire Sea the Stars by combining class with the versatility to excel over a range of distances and ground conditions. He retires as a six-time Group winner, including four victories at Group 1 level from nine to 12 furlongs.
Owner/breeder Princess Zahra Aga Khan said after the homebred colt’s first Arc triumph: “As a breeder, and as part of a legacy that stretches back more than a century, winning this race is the pinnacle of what one can achieve.”
Trainer Francis-Henri Graffard stated earlier this year: “Daryz possesses a sharper, more explosive acceleration. Since I began training, Daryz is clearly one of the best horses I have ever been responsible for. I am fortunate to work with many very good horses, but he is truly exceptional: beautifully bred, with a remarkable physique, particularly an outstanding hindquarter.”
Jockey Mickaël Barzalona, who partnered him in all nine of his career victories, said: “He is the kind of horse every jockey dreams of riding. He is a force of nature with an exceptional engine.”
Representing the Danzig sireline through Green Desert, Daryz comes from an elite female family being from Daryakana, who also won the Gr.1 Prix de Royallieu on Arc Day. This high-class mare later took the Gr.1 Hong Kong Vase and has since established herself as one of the outstanding broodmares of her generation, producing seven stakes horses including two Group 1 winners.
She is out of Champion Three-Year-Old Filly Daryaba, winner of both the Prix de Diane and the Prix Vermeille.
Daryz also represents a good outcross, with his pedigree free of Danehill, Dubawi and Sadler’s Wells.
Further details regarding stud arrangements will be announced in due course.
