Graffard eyes O’Brien praise as Daryzan tackles French Derby
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Wed 27 May 2026
Francis-Henri Graffard is eager to get a congratulatory nod from Aidan O’Brien as he readies the blue-blooded Daryzan to take on the might of Ballydoyle in Sunday’s Prix du Jockey Club.
Mouthwatering clashes between the established order of the O’Brien battalion and the Aga Khan Studs-backed Graffard are becoming common place with the Frenchman a growing force on the world stage.
He will carry the hopes of his nation on his shoulders as his once-raced colt aims to stop the French Derby trophy heading to Tipperary, with the 49-year-old relishing going toe-to-toe with one of the world’s best trainers once again.
Graffard said: “Aidan is incredible in terms of results and the way he campaigns his horses. He’s always really hard to beat and usually the one to beat when you go to these big races and meetings.
“At the moment everything I read in the press regarding Calandagan and Daryz is everybody wants to beat them! On Sunday in the Jockey Club it’s a little bit different because my horse is very unexposed and we are basing our entry on his pedigree and his raw ability.
“Aidan’s horses are exposed and tough and in numbers in the race. It’s going to be a challenge, but we have done it before and I really like it when he says ‘well done’ to me after a race, it’s a good sign!”
While Daryzan heads into Classic company with just an impressive win in a Saint-Cloud newcomers event to his name, the O’Brien contingent bring depth in both their juvenile form and early outings at three to the table.
It is impressive Dee Stakes scorer Constitution River that currently heads the betting from Futurity Trophy and Prix de Guiche-winning stablemate Hawk Mountain, but Graffard is certain which of the Irish raiders will present the biggest threat to his charge at Chantilly.
He added: “I don’t know enough about Constitution River, but he is definitely the one to beat. The other one I’m not scared about.
“What I am scared of is the number of runners and the draw. You will need luck in running definitely. That is something I can’t manage or have any impact on.”
Experience may be at a premium for Daryzan ahead of this leap into the deepest of waters but having shown similar qualities to his illustrious sibling, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe hero Daryz, his team are not afraid to hunt Classic glory on the back of such an impressive introduction earlier this month
Graffard said: “He was always a horse we hoped was going to be a nice horse for the season, he was one of our best three-year-old prospects pedigree-wise and the way he went in the mornings – that is why he has all these entries.
“He surprised us the way he won in a way, his reaction under pressure and the acceleration he produced was incredible.
“He has the physical attributes, the acceleration and the pedigree and the mentality to take his chance. There is only one Jockey Club and we have plenty of time to win a Listed race if he proves to be not good enough.
“He came out of his debut really well, we couldn’t be happier with the horse in the mornings, so it is worth a try.”
Daryzan is one of two for the Aga Khan team in the Chantilly feature alongside fellow son of Zarak, the Mikel Delzangles-trained Dolmalan, who arrives three from three after victory over O’Brien’s Montreal last time out.
However, Graffard’s contender is the chosen mount of the owners’ retained rider Mickael Barzalona with Nemone Routh, French racing manager for the Aga Khan Studs, saying: “He made the decision quite quickly, but it wasn’t a particularly easy decision.
“You’d have to ask Mickael why he chose Daryzan over Dolmalan, but he did actually make the decision within the day I asked him to make it and he obviously sees the potential in this horse, having ridden the brother and also the sister Darkaniya, so he has always got on well with this family.
“I think the draw is a huge thing – everyone knows if you’re drawn low you have a huge advantage.”
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