Daryz became the first colt in almost 50 years to win the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in successive seasons, with a brilliant victory at ParisLongchamp on October 4, 2026.

Not since the Vincent O’Brien-trained Alleged and Lester Piggott in 1977 and 1978 has a colt defended the title. Once Mickael Barzalona pulled the Francis-Henri Graffard-trained Daryz out to make his run, the result looked inevitable.

The Prix Foy proved the key form guide: Daryz beat George Scott’s Bay City Roller in that trial, and the pair filled the same positions again, with Aidan O’Brien’s Diamond Necklace a fine third from stall 16.

“To win this kind of race twice proves that Daryz is an exceptional horse,” Barzalona said. “It was a really tough race, it didn’t go as we expected but he showed his talent and that made the difference.”

Graffard hailed his champion: “He’s a good horse, he’s a champion. Mickael rode a beautiful race again. It’s so beautiful for the sport.”