Under the grey autumn skies of ParisLongchamp, emotion rippled through the crowd as Daryz (FR) surged past Minnie Hauk (IRE) in the dying strides to win the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe 2025, giving Aga Khan Studs a victory steeped in meaning and memory. For Princess Zahra Aga Khan, it was a moment that beautifully bridged legacy and renewal the family’s fifth Arc triumph since the passing of her father earlier this year.
The 3-year-old son of Sea The Stars produced a stunning late charge, edging Minnie Hauk by a head in a heart-stopping finish. Ridden with exquisite timing by Mickael Barzalona, Daryz completed the mile-and-a-half in 2:29.17 on ground officially described as “Very Soft,” sealing his ticket to the $5 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) at Del Mar through the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series.
“This race has an amazing reputation, and it shows — when you win it, it’s very, very special,” said trainer Francis-Henri Graffard, savouring his first Arc success. “The defeat at York toughened him up. Today, he ran like a professional, a mature horse ready for the big stage.”
Barzalona, who only last year became Aga Khan Studs’ retained rider, spoke with quiet pride: “You grow up dreaming of winning the Arc. To do it in these colours — it’s a privilege beyond words.”
A Classic Arc with a Modern Story
Breaking smoothly from stall two, Daryz tracked the pace throughout a race once again dictated by the draw. Minnie Hauk and Sosie (IRE), drawn in one and three respectively, were always prominent. Byzantine Dream (JPN), fancied to challenge, faded in the stretch after looming large two furlongs out. In the final drive, Daryz clawed his way past Minnie Hauk, with Sosie staying on for third.
Among the international runners, Giavellotto (IRE) fared best of the British contingent, staying on stoutly for fourth.
A Day of Champions at ParisLongchamp
The Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe 2025 headlined a glittering card of six Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series races. The undercard produced its own moments of brilliance:
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Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère (G1): Puerto Rico (IRE) made all under Christophe Soumillon, giving Aidan O’Brien a flying start to the day and earning a berth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1).
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Prix Marcel Boussac (G1): The unbeaten Diamond Necklace (IRE) justified favouritism for O’Brien and Soumillon, booking her spot in the John Deere Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1).
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Prix de l’Abbaye (G1): Australian mare Asfoora (AUS) made history for trainer Henry Dwyer, surviving a pre-race passport scare before storming home to become the first Australian to win the race — securing a berth in the Prevagen Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1).
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Prix de l’Opéra (G1): Barnavara (IRE) toughed it out from the front under Shane Foley, giving Jessica Harrington another Group 1 jewel and an automatic start in the Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1).
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Prix de la Forêt (G1): Maranoa Charlie (FR) capped the day with a commanding display for trainer Christopher Head, earning a potential swansong berth in the FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1).
A Global Stage Awaits
With automatic berths secured for all six winners, the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series continues to underline its international allure. Each winner will have entry fees paid and travel support provided for the 2025 Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Del Mar.
From the emotional triumph of Daryz to the trailblazing sprint of Asfoora, this was a ParisLongchamp raceday that celebrated racing’s global heartbeat — uniting heritage, hope, and high-class competition.
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