DARYZ'S ARC WIN A FITTING TRIBUTE TO LATE AGA KHAN

Trainer Graffard and jockey Barzalona also claim France’s biggest race for the first time

- FRANCE GALOP

The €5 million (S$7.56 million) Group 1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (2,400m) lived up to all expectations at ParisLongchamp on Oct 5, with a thrilling battle which saw French contender Daryz edging out the Irish favourite Minnie Hauk by a head.

Trained by top French handler Francis-Henri Graffard, Daryz was sired by Sea The Stars, who also won the same prestigious race - also known as the Arc — in 2009.

After enjoying a perfect trip behind the early leaders Hotazhell (Shane Foley) and Croix Du Nord (Yuichi Kitamura), Minnie Hauk (Christophe Soumillon) began to make her move turning for home.

Daryz (Mickael Barzalona) - who had been tracking closely behind the Aidan O’Brien-trained filly - had no plans to let Minnie Hauk get away.

The two went stride for stride in the final 100m, before the Aga Khan Studs-owned Daryz ($100) put his head down where it mattered to eventually prevail by a head.

Three-time Group 1 victor Sosie (Stephane Pasquier) finished third, a further 51/2 lengths away.

Owner Princess Zahra Aga Khan, daughter of the Aga Khan IV, said Daryz’s victory in the Arc came as a fitting tribute to the breeder-owner, who passed away in February.

“As a breeder, and as part of a legacy that stretches back more than a century, winning this race is the pinnacle of what one can achieve,” she said.