The Albany Gazette - Daryz wins Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe thriller

For trainer Francis Graffard it caps a remarkable season, his first Arc and 11th Group One.

For jockey Mickael Barzalona it was also his first win in Europe's most prestigious race after years of knocking on the door.

Daryz returned to a very emotional winners enclosure.

The Aga Khan IV died in February this year and was present the last time the famous green and red colours were carried to victory in the Arc, the 2008 edition by the incredible Zarkava.

"He belongs to everyone, we are part of the furniture as one says in English," laughed Princess Zahra Aga Khan.

"We count on everyone in the team from the birth to the day it hits the racecourse.

"This year counts for all of us, it is a great team.

"Today is the summit of what one can do.

"Francis, Mickael and everyone I congratulate the stable and Francis had the time to prepare him for this."

Princess Zahra said the duel between Daryz and Minnie Hauk as the former came after the game Irish filly had been a very stressful experience.

"One does not explain in public what I felt," she said laughing.

"Nerves rattled. I did not know he would get there.

"He is a battler."

Minnie Hauk battled like the star she is but just could not quite hold on under Christophe Soumillon to add to her successes in the Epsnm, Irish and Yorkshire Oaks.

"Seconditis is a terrible disease, all I can say, is I am very proud of Minnie Hauk," said the 5-2 favourite's part owner Michael Tabor.

"She's run a blinder, I thought she'd won, we're here to fight for another day.

"I am sure she's got a great future."

Sosie took third, one better than last year, with English outsider Giavellotto fourth.

Japan will once again have to bide their time for their first winner of over 50 years of trying.

Croix du Nord had led into the straight but was quickly swallowed up, Byzantine Dream came from the clouds under Oisin Murphy to finish the best of the trio in fifth.

(P.Davis--TAG)