He was the most highly regarded horse going into the Qatar Prix Foy (Group 2) on Sunday at ParisLongchamp, and Daryz lived up to expectations with a dominant victory over his rivals. Winner of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in 2025, the French thoroughbred, trained at Chantilly by Francis-Henri Graffard, has established himself as the favourite for the next edition, which will take place on Sunday, 4 October at ParisLongchamp.

This Sunday, the race was led by the British-trained Bay City Roller, with Daryz following him. With 400 metres to go, Daryz challenged the leader before sweeping past him with great ease. He eventually won by a length and a half from Bay City Roller. The French-trained Uthred, bred by footballer Antoine Griezmann, whose colours he also carries, finished third, three lengths further back.

Daryz was making his fourth start of the year. His first two had resulted in victories in the Prix Ganay World Pool by PMU (Group 1) and the Prix Aga Khan IV (Prix d’Ispahan). He had not been seen since 17 June, when he finished third at Royal Ascot (England). Returning to competition after an absence of nearly three months, Daryz should improve further for today’s victory ahead of his major target in early October.

Thanks to his victory in the Qatar Prix Foy, one of the races in the Arc Races series, Daryz earns a Wild Card for the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. As he is already entered in the race, he will benefit from the scheme introduced by France Galop: the entry fees already paid will be refunded.

Daryz, a 4-year-old, was bred by and is owned by the Aga Khan Studs. He is trained at Chantilly by Francis-Henri Graffard.

Francis-Henri Graffard

“It was important for Daryz to show this kind of behaviour and this calmness on his return to racing. It had already gone very well at Deauville during his public gallop at the racecourse. Today, everything went as well as possible. The horse was very professional to ride and really relaxed. The race also unfolded well, with Bay City Roller going to the front and getting the race going at the top of the rise. Daryz took hold of the bit nicely at that point. He accelerated well in the straight. He is now only six kilos above his racing weight, so he will be perfect for the day of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.”

Photo: Scoop Dyga