Daryz has been retired from racing following his successful defence of the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, owned by the Aga Khan Studs. The four-year-old colt, trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, became the first colt since Alleged in 1977 and 1978 to win back-to-back renewals of Europe's premier middle-distance contest. He is also the ninth dual winner overall in the race's history.
No horse has ever won the Arc three times, and Daryz will not attempt a hat-trick next year. Instead, he will begin a second career in the breeding shed. In total, he won nine of his 12 career starts and earned almost £5.5million in prize-money. His four Group One victories came alongside the Prix Ganay and the Prix Aga Khan IV at Paris Longchamp earlier this season.
In a statement, the Aga Khan Studs described Daryz as a brilliant dual winner, noting his exceptional turn of foot. Like his sire Sea The Stars, he combined class with versatility across distances and ground conditions. He retires as a six-time Group winner. The studs said further details about his stud arrangements will be announced in due course.
Meanwhile, with Mickael Barzalona suspended, Christophe Soumillon will ride Calandagan in the Qatar Racing Champion Stakes at Ascot on Champions Day. Soumillon will also partner Rayif in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing