Retirement confirmed for brilliant dual Arc hero Daryz

Retirement has been confirmed for Daryz following the successful defence of his Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe crown.

Francis-Henri Graffard’s four-year-old became the first colt since Alleged in 1977 and 1978 to land back-to-back renewals of Europe’s premier middle-distance contest, while he is the ninth dual winner overall.

No horse has ever won the Arc three times, but Daryz will not be bidding for the hat-trick in 12 months’ time, with a second career in the breeding shed awaiting him next year.

In all Daryz won nine of his 12 career starts, earning almost £5.5million in prize-money. He won four Group Ones, having earlier this season claimed the Prix Ganay and the Prix Aga Khan IV at his beloved ParisLongchamp to go with his two Arc triumphs.

A statement from the Aga Khan Studs read: “Daryz, the brilliant dual Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner, has been retired from racing following his historic second victory in Europe’s premier contest on Sunday at ParisLongchamp.

“Renowned for his exceptional turn of foot, Daryz echoed his own sire Sea The Stars by combining class with the versatility to excel over a range of distances and ground conditions. He retires as a six-time Group winner, including four victories at Group One level from nine to 12 furlongs.”

The statement added: “Daryz now embarks on a new chapter in his story as part of the Aga Khan Studs stallion roster. Further details regarding stud arrangements will be announced in due course.”

The Aga Khan team also confirmed that with Mickael Barzalona sidelined by suspension for Champions Day at Ascot on Saturday week, Christophe Soumillon will partner globetrotting star Calandagan in his defence of the Qatar Racing Champion Stakes, while the Belgian will also be on board Rayif in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.

Next year’s Arc is due to be open to geldings – such as Calandagan – for the first time after the European Pattern Committee approved a proposal from France Galop that will see a significant change to the race.

Not everyone agrees with the move, however, with Coolmore supremo John Magnier among those to speak out against the proposal when it first emerged.

Speaking after seeing Benvenuto Cellini win the Irish Derby at the Curragh at the end of June, Magnier said: “I hope they don’t let the geldings into the Arc. I think most of the purists would be against it.

“There are two sides to every coin, but I’m only giving it from the breeding side and from the breed as a whole. The Arc is one of the real races and it won’t be any more if you include geldings.

“My father-in-law (Vincent O’Brien) used to always say that if he was training a yard of geldings the bookmakers would be in worse trouble!”

While the change has since been ratified, Coolmore have now signed and shared a petition in an attempt to “save the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe”.

A post on the Coolmore X feed read: “One of the world’s most prestigious races, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe has a unique place in the international racing and breeding industry.

“A petition has been launched opposing proposals to open the race to geldings, seeking to preserve its tradition, prestige and importance to the future of thoroughbred breeding.

“We encourage everyone involved in the racing and breeding industry to make their voice heard and sign the petition.”