Daryz Prevails In Epic Arc Tussle With Minnie Hauk

[Wandering Eyes]

Producing a stirring finale to Sunday's G1 Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, The Aga Khan Studs runner Daryz (Sea The Stars) wore down Ballydoyle's star filly Minnie Hauk (Frankel) to cap a stellar season for Francis-Henri Graffard. Having been given an unorthodox preparation for this monument which culminated in a close second to Croix Du Nord (Kitasan Black) in the G3 Prix du Prince d'Orange, the 16-1 shot followed swooped off the pace set by the Japanese challenger with just the triple Oaks-winning 5-2 favourite to catch.

Minnie Hauk looked to have sealed a treble for O'Brien and Soumillon everywhere bar the last 50 metres, where Mickael Barzalona was able to conjure a decisive surge to earn a head success. Sosie (Sea The Stars) was 5 1/2 lengths away in third. This was the first Arc winner in these famed colours since Zarkava in 2008 and the first since the passing of the The Aga Khan IV.

“We've always held him in high regard and he came back a lot stronger from [the Juddmonte International at] York, which was a messy race,” Barzalona said. “He was very relaxed today, travelled very well and quickened up well. I knew Minnie Hauk would give me a tough race, but my horse is very talented. It is a big privilege to ride for The Aga Khan Studs and be part of this team.”

Graffard added, “That was a great horse race and everything worked to plan,” he said. “The spirit of the horse at the end! This is special.”

WHAT A RACE!

DARYZ WINS THE GROUP ONE QATAR PRIX DE L'ARC DE TRIOMPHE! #QPAT pic.twitter.com/qr2qiOMT3j

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) October 5, 2025

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