Daryz wins second straight Arc with late surge at ParisLongchamp

Daryz won the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe for the second successive year at ParisLongchamp, producing a late run to secure another victory in Europe’s richest Flat race. According to BBC Sport, the four-year-old became the ninth horse to win the event twice and the first colt to complete the double since Alleged 48 years ago.

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Mickael Barzalona, who also rode Daryz to victory in 2025, guided the Francis-Henri Graffard-trained colt through a field of 16 before taking the lead in the closing stages. Sent off as the 13-8 favourite, Daryz finished more than a length ahead of 28-1 runner-up Bay City Roller. Diamond Necklace, trained by Aidan O’Brien and starting at 10-1, took third place.

The winning margin contrasted with Daryz’s first Arc success, which required a photo finish. This time, his late acceleration settled the result more clearly, although Barzalona said the race had not developed entirely as anticipated. Speaking to Sky Sports in comments carried by the BBC, the jockey described a difficult contest and credited the horse’s ability for making the decisive difference near the finish.

The result rewarded Aga Khan Studs for keeping Daryz in training as a four-year-old rather than retiring him to breeding duties. BBC Sport reported that leading colts are often retired at three because of the money available through stud fees. The owners collected a winner’s prize exceeding £2.5 million as their decision delivered another victory in the same race.

Daryz had also recorded two further Group One wins this season and won his preparatory race for the Arc last month. His repeat success made him the first horse to win consecutive editions since Enable in 2017 and 2018, placing the colt alongside another recent multiple winner of the ParisLongchamp contest.

For Graffard, the victory was his second in the Arc. The trainer said he usually tempered his expectations because these races are so difficult to win, but believed Daryz would be exceptionally hard to beat if his passage through the field went smoothly. Barzalona’s late move completed that second successful partnership in the race.