Despite its many attractions, one of the drawbacks of flat racing is the comparatively short careers of its equine stars. Whereas National Hunt combatants return to the track year after year, the best of the flat performers are often packed off to stud in double quick time. Given the immense stud value of the leading colts in particular, it is understandable that connections want to wrap their leading lights in cotton wool.
When it comes to increasing the breeding value of a horse, the Epsom Derby remains the sport’s biggest stallion maker. However, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is not far behind. With that in mind, the temptation must have been great to retire this year’s Arc hero, Daryz, on the spot.
To their credit, Aga Khan Studs have resisted this temptation. While Daryz is done for 2025, this week brought the news that the rising star will remain in training as a four-year-old. But what can we expect upon the colt’s return to action in 2026?
Mixed Results for Returning Arc Winners
Since 2000, 13 three-year-olds have won the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Of those winners, Sinndar, Dalakhani, Rail Link, Zarkava, Sea The Stars, Golden Horn, and Ace Impact were all retired at the end of their Arc-winning season.
That leaves the following six heroes and heroines who returned to race on at four and beyond.
Enable (2017)
- Trainer – John Gosden
- Sire – Nathaniel
- Subsequent Group 1 Wins – Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (2018), Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf (2018), Coral-Eclipse (2019), King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes (2019, 2020), Darley Yorkshire Oaks (2019)
For the first of three fillies on our list, the decision to carry on reaped rich rewards. Winning eight of 11 starts at four and five, Enable successfully defended her Arc crown in 2018.
She then found only Waldgeist too good in her 2019 hat-trick bid. Retiring in 2020, having amassed over £10 million in prize money, Enable’s post-Arc exploits cemented her status as one of the greatest fillies of the modern era.
Treve (2013)
- Trainer – Mme Christiane Head
- Sire – Motivator
- Subsequent Group 1 Wins – Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (2014), Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (2015), Qatar Prix Vermeille (2015)
Sporting the silks of Al Shaqab Racing, Treve blitzed to a brilliant five-length victory in the 2013 Arc. Having lost her form in the opening half of 2014, she returned to her brilliant best to land the 2014 edition.
She took her Group 1 tally to six in 2015 before finishing fourth in the Arc on her final racecourse appearance.
Danedream (2011)
- Trainer – Peter Schiergen
- Sire – Lomitas
- Subsequent Wins – King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2012), Longines – Grosser Preis Von Baden (2012)
Two years before Treve scorched to victory, Danedream produced a five-length Arc win of her own when springing a 20/1 shock for Germany. Barring a blip in the Grand Prix De Saint-Cloud, Danedream enjoyed an excellent final season at four, headlined by a thrilling nose verdict over Enable’s sire Nathaniel in the King George.
Workforce (2010)
- Trainer – Sir Michael Stoute
- Sire – King’s Best
- Subsequent Wins – None
The most recent three-year-old colt to remain in training following an Arc success is the 2010 Epsom Derby champ. Racing four times at four, this Juddmonte runner did little to enhance his stud value. Kicking off with a Group 3 win at Sandown, he then finished second in the Coral-Eclipse and King George.
Lining up for the final time in the 2011 Arc, he finished only 12th of 14 behind Danedream.
Hurricane Run (2005)
- Trainer – Andre Fabre
- Sire – Montjeu
- Subsequent Wins – Tattersalls Gold Cup (2006), King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes (2006)
Hurricane Run followed in the hoofprints of his brilliant sire Montjeu when carrying the Michael Tabor silks to victory in 2005. Racing seven times as a four-year-old, he couldn’t match the consistency of his near-flawless Classic campaign. However, there were highlights in the mix, including his thrilling late charge to deny Electrocutionist in the King George.
Hurricane Run and @CSoumillon – King George champions for André Fabre back in 2006 pic.twitter.com/u5ANhhZtsj
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) July 24, 2020
Bago (2004)
- Trainer – Jonathan Pease
- Sire – Nashwan
- Subsequent Wins – Prix Ganay (2005)
Having mastered Cherry Mix and the sensational Ouija Board in the 2004 Arc, Bago returned to take in a succession of Group 1 events in 2005. Whilst showing admirable consistency, his only subsequent win came on his seasonal return in the Prix Ganay. Finishing an admirable third to Hurricane Run when defending his Arc crown, he moved on to a career at stud at the end of his four-year-old season.
Is a Double Arc Win on the Cards?
When looking at the above results, the Arc-winning fillies have fared better than the colts. Enable, Treve, and Danedream amassed eleven further Group 1 wins between them, whereas Workforce, Hurricane Run, and Bago managed only three. Will Daryz improve the record for the colts? However he fares, his presence adds significant intrigue to the 2026 flat campaign.
