The Prix Ganay World Pool by PMU, the first of the 28 Grade 1 flat races in France, took place on Sunday at ParisLongchamp Racecourse. It traditionally marks the beginning of the major clashes between older horses aged 4 and above.

The main attraction had a name: Daryz. The champion trained by Francis-Henri Graffard had not been seen on the track since October 5, when he won the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe 2025, one of the greatest races in the world.

For his return to competition, Daryz, now a 4-year-old, showed he had lost none of his talent by literally dominating the race. Settled patiently for much of the journey, he sharply accelerated midway down the home straight to easily defeat his rivals. He ultimately won by three and a half lengths over Bright Picture, owned by the Wertheimer & Frère stable.

Daryz is trained in Chantilly. He was bred by the Aga Khan Studs, who also own him. He carries the same colors and has the same trainer as Calandagan, crowned World’s Best Horse in 2025. Daryz records here his second Group 1 victory—the highest level of excellence in horse racing.

He is now set to head toward the Prix Aga Khan IV (Prix d’Ispahan), renamed in tribute to His Highness the Aga Khan IV, who passed away in February 2025. A hugely influential owner and breeder in the history of flat racing, His Highness the Aga Khan IV shaped breeding for decades. Daryz is a perfect illustration of that legacy.

Francis-Henri Graffard (trainer of Daryz, 1st):

“Daryz has gained strength and maturity. Today we had the perfect race for his return. The pace wasn’t very strong, but he stayed perfectly responsive to Mickaël’s instructions. In the straight, he built his acceleration well. When Bright Picture came to challenge him, his jockey asked him to go again, and he responded very well. Daryz has more power now and is more assertive in his behavior.

Calandagan and Daryz are quite different. Calandagan builds his races, accelerates progressively, and always finishes very strongly. Daryz, on the other hand, has a sharper, more explosive turn of foot. Both are high-quality horses but with distinct profiles.

Since I’ve been training, Daryz is clearly one of the best horses I’ve been responsible for. I’m lucky to work with very good horses, but he is truly exceptional: well-bred, with a remarkable physique, especially a superb hindquarter. I’m really delighted.

Looking ahead, the target is already set: the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot in June. Before that, he should run in an intermediate race, the Prix Aga Khan IV (Prix d’Ispahan), on May 21, if everything goes well after today’s return.”

Mickaël Barzalona (jockey of Daryz, 1st):

“All the work done at home paid off. Today, Daryz showed himself in excellent condition: relaxed, focused, never going too fast. He was able to accelerate strongly at the right moment and pull clear all the way to the line. This perfectly confirms what he is capable of. He shows that he is still there.”

Photo: Scoop Daryz