ARC HERO DARYZ HAS BEEN RETIRED FROM RACING

By Graham Potter | Friday, October 9, 2026

The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe hero Daryz has been retired.

Aga Khan Studs confirmed the decision via a press release which stated, ‘Dual Arc winner Daryz has been retired from racing following his historic second victory on Sunday. Renowned for his exceptional turn of foot, the son of Sea The Stars now embarks on a new chapter as part of the Aga Khan stallion roster.’

A decision as to where Daryz will stand at stud had yet to be finalised. He will either be stationed at Haras de Bonneval in France, or at Gilltown Stud alongside his father in Kildare, Ireland.

Francis-Henri Graffard, who trained Daryz throughout his illustrious career and jockey Mickael Barzalona, who was in the saddle for all of Daryz’s nine victories, paid tribute to their champion.

“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,” said Graffard, with Barzalona adding, “He is the kind of horse every jockey dreams of riding. He is a force of nature with an exceptional engine.”

Daryz retires with a race record of nine wins from twelve starts and two seconds. His four Group 1 wins were in those back-to-back wins in the Arc, and in the Prix Ganay and Prix d'Ispahan.