Daryz claims rare back-to-back success in the Arc

Daryz became just the ninth horse to win the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe for a second time, repeating his 2025 success with a late burst to claim victory in the richest Flat race in Europe.

The Francis-Henri Graffard trained four-year-old became the first colt to double up in the Arc at ParisLongchamp since Alleged did it 48 years ago.

Mickael Barzalona, the winning jockey last year, took the ride again and expertly manoeuvred Daryz through the 16-strong field to hit the front in the closing stages.

The 13-8 favourite needed a photo finish last year but this time claimed victory by more than a length from Bay City Roller (28-1), with Aidan O'Brien's 10-1 chance Diamond Necklace finishing third.

"To win this kind of race twice proves that Daryz is an exceptional horse," Barzalona told Sky Sports.

"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."

It was considered a gamble to keep last year's Arc winner in training aged four, when most top-class colts are retired at three because of the lucrative breeding fees.

But it has paid off for owners Aga Khan Studs, who claimed the winner's cheque of more than £2.5m.

Daryz added two further Group One victories to his tally this season and won his Arc prep race in grand style last month.

"He's a good horse, he's a champion," said jubilant winning trainer Graffard, following his second success in the race .

"It's rare that I am confident in the race - I always try to keep my feet on the ground because it is so hard to win these races.

"But I knew that if things were going right for him during the trip he was very hard to beat because he is a real champion."