Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe: Daryz claims rare back-to-back success

“That’s what you need to win this kind of race,” Barzalona told Sky Sports.

“It was a tough race and didn’t go quite as we expected, but he showed his talent to make a 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.”