Francis-Henri Graffard feels the strong pace combined with a lack of cover was to blame for Daryz's below-par performance in the Wednesday's Prince Of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot.

The Aga Khan-owned four-year-old had been imperious since dropping in trip this season and arrived at Ascot searching for a hat-trick of wins at the top-level having already claimed the Prix Ganay and Prix Aga Khan IV.

However, last year's 'Arc' hero couldn't match the finishing speed of his rivals in the straight and ultimately had to settle for the bronze medal this time around as John and Thady Gosden's Ombudsman strode clear to retain his crown by four lengths.

Minnie Hauk, who suffered an agonising defeat behind Daryz in last season's Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, filled the runner-up spot.

Francis-Henri Graffard was left disappointed but was quick to point to a lack of cover and the race's strong tempo as to why Daryz performed below his expectations.

"I don't know what to say, he just didn't have a very good run," he said. "They had these two pacemakers that go forward quite clearly, and my horse was not covered; he never really relaxed and had a chance to take a breath.

"I don't think he travelled relaxed through the race; he was out of his rhythm all the time, and that's why he shortened up his action at the end.

"Ombudsman had a perfect run and didn't have to make any effort up to entering the straight, while we had to make an effort all the time.

"That's the way the race went. We didn't see the Daryz of Longchamp when he was nice and relaxed and quickened really strongly. Today he was not like that."

In contrast, Aidan O'Brien was left delighted with Minnie Hauk, who having been narrowly denied in last season's 'Arc' by Daryz, arrived following a very disappointing effort in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh.

"We were delighted," said O'Brien. "We thought what happened the last day, she's a mile and a half filly really, and over a mile and a quarter she wanted an end-to-end gallop,"

"Obviously that was going to suit the winner as well, by doing that, but she's a mile and a half filly and it was lovely - if the lads want, they can bring her back for the King George, so I couldn't be happier with her.

"She met the horse she ran against in the Arc last year again. She's so straightforward. Ryan rode her very confidently, like there was no doubt about anything today, and he said she kept travelling down the three past the two, and the winner had a little bit more toe than her over a mile and a quarter. This was the perfect prep for the King George today."

Photo: Getty Image