Irish celebrate wins on Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe card as history made in €5 million race

Irish eyes were smiling in Paris as the richest race in Europe took place

Daryz wrote his name into the history books by becoming the first colt for nearly half a century to win the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in successive years at ParisLongchamp on Sunday.

The 13/8 favourite produced a brilliant performance under Mickael Barzalona to follow up his success from 12 months ago for French trainer Francis-Henri Graffard. The last colt to defend the title was the Vincent O’Brien-trained Alleged, ridden by Lester Piggott, in 1977 and 1978.

The Prix Foy emerged as the crucial form pointer, with Daryz having already seen off George Scott’s Bay City Roller in that trial — and the pair finished in identical positions in the main event. Aidan O’Brien’s Diamond Necklace put in a commendable performance to claim third from stall 16 and is the ante-post favourite for the 2027 renewal.

Barzalona said: “To win this kind of race twice proves that Daryz is an exceptional horse. It was a really tough race, it didn’t go as we expected but he showed his talent and that made the difference in the end. The pace was not strong, it was a rough race and nothing went to plan, but the horse deserved to win again and he’s proved all season he is the best one. I’m delighted.”

Graffard commented: “He’s a good horse, he’s a champion. I said that before, it’s rare I’m confident before a race as it is so hard in a race like this, but I knew things were going right and he’d be very hard to beat. I was confident. but I was putting so much pressure on myself before the race and you can make yourself look a fool so it is easier not to speak and not say anything. But I think for the sport we have to be transparent and I was confident and his rider was confident so we had to say it. Mickael rode a beautiful race again. It’s so beautiful for the sport, I’m lucky to have horses like that.”

He added: “It is different when you are favourite and you are the one to beat. There was pressure, you can’t deny it, but it’s good and it’s why I show emotion. It’s great for the owners (Aga Khan Studs), it’s such a wonderful breeding operation. We kept losing position early, we were too far back but we were lucky Daryz has good acceleration. Without any trouble I knew he’d run a big race. I’m lucky to train a horse like this and I hope I get plenty more! I don’t think he has to prove anything else.”

The result was hugely popular with punters, with Nicola McGeady of Ladbrokes stating: “Daryz was the horse punters wanted to be on and they were rewarded in style with another huge Arc performance. Diamond Necklace’s gallant performance has not gone unnoticed, and she is now favourite for next year’s renewal.”

From an Irish perspective, there was Group 1 joy for Joseph O’Brien on the supporting card as Green Empress (13/8 fav) won the Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac under Christophe Soumillon, while Colin Keane landed the Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere on the Francis-Henri Graffard-trained Amusingly (15/2) in the next race.

And the final Group 1 of the day went to Aidan O’Brien as True Love just got up to win the Prix de la Foret under Ryan Moore.

Joseph O’Brien commented: “It’s really special for us to have a Group One winner on this day and she has been progressive – she’s only ever been beaten by Sun Goddess all year. She has a super pedigree, being by Saxon Warrior out of a Sea The Stars mare. We see her as a miler that might go 10 furlongs at some stage. We’ll see how she comes out of today and discuss with the owners whether she’ll go to America (Breeders’ Cup) or whether we wait for next year.”

The success was the latest Group One triumph in a stellar year for O’Brien, who added: “We’re very lucky to have the support of some great people and a wide variety of owners. For us it’s about performing and executing at big meetings. It’s fantastic to have a big winner on Arc day.”

Meanwhile, Keane said after Amusingly’s success: “I think the decision to run in this race rather than the Boussac was a bit of a combination of everyone, it just looked like the last day over a mile she failed to see out the final half-furlong. She’s a filly with a lot of class and a lot of pace, she did a lot on the bridle before being run out of it close home (last time) so that was in the decision to bring her back to seven, albeit we were taking on the colts. She relaxed a lot better today, she wasn’t as fresh and gassy and did everything right in the first half of the race, when she did that part we thought she’d run a good race and she showed how well she can quicken.”

He added: “Time will tell if she’s a Guineas filly, she does have a lot of pace but I don’t see why she won’t get a mile.”

Source: irishmirror.ie