Daryz pips Minnie Hauk to Arc win in photo finish

In a photo finish, Daryz triumphed over Minnie Hauk in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp with a pulsating late run.

Before the Francis-Henri Graffard-trained three-year-old started the 1.5 mile trek for the first time, the three-year-old had only made six starts.

However, with a score of 12-1, jockey Mickael Barzalona perfectly timed the course to win the most lucrative Group One race in Europe.

Minnie Hauk, ridden by Christophe Soumillon, was heavily backed at 9-4, and the winner of the Oaks and Irish Oaks made light of a difficult draw in stall one to take the lead of the 17-strong field from two furlongs away.

Sosie, the top-seeded trainer, came home in third place with 16-1, while 40-1 shot Giavellotto came in fourth, while Andre Fabre, who was aiming for a record-extending ninth win, was in the lead.

Daryz finished last overall at the Judmonte International in York in August, and his remarkable transformation comes to an end with victory in the Arc.

Graffard, who won the race for the first time in the style of the late Aga Khan, said, “I think the defeat at York helped us win today.”

“This race has an amazing reputation, and it’s true that winning it is very special. Although there have been some notable successes, this is especially noteworthy this year.

When the Frenchman, 34, won the Derby on Pour Moi in 2011, the Frenchman said it was a happy moment to join the group of jockeys who also won the Arc.

It’s a great privilege to enter the circle of people who have won this race, especially in these colors, he said, adding that this kind of race you have been watching since you were very young.