Daryz wins second successive Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe / Photo: MEHDI FEDOUACH - AFP
Daryz wins second successive Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
Daryz became only the ninth horse to win Europe's most prestigious race, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, for a second time as he triumphed in impressive style at Longchamp racecourse on Sunday.
He stormed clear under Mickael Barzalona to become the first two-time winner since Enable in 2017-2018 and first colt (male) since Alleged almost half a century ago to achieve the feat.
Daryz had to battle to get a clear run but once Barzalona managed to find a path he surged down the outside to overhaul English outsider Bay City Roller.
Bay City Roller took second with Irish filly Diamond Necklace third -- those two making a mockery of being in the feared outside stalls of the 16 runners.
For the Daryz team it was unbridled joy.
"I was never worried," said Princess Zahra Aga Khan, who took over the racing operation of the Aga Khan Studs after the death of her father last year.
"He has such a will to win, and such speed, I was pretty relaxed.
"Also Mickael is so calm and I have such faith in him.
"This is a huge achievement and I congratulate the whole team including Francis (Graffard, the trainer)."
Princess Zahra said the win had made her think of her father, who enjoyed great success in the Arc including the fabulous unbeaten Zarkava, who triumphed in 2008.
"Why do the crowd love our colours?" said the princess.
"Well we have been around since Noah's flood," she added, with a laugh.
"I think it is because of 104 years of history."
She was though adamant as to whether Daryz would return next year to try and become the first three-time winner.
"No, I doubt it very much," she said. "He has other duties to perform."
F.Kelly--CT
