Daryz to Join His Sire Sea The Stars on the Roster at Ireland's Gilltown Stud

The two-time Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe champion will headline the stallion roster renewal for Aga Khan Studs for the 2027 breeding season. He will be stationed at Gilltown Stud, where Erevann is also set to arrive, while Rayif and Samangan will launch their stud careers at Haras de Bonneval in France

PARIS, France (Special for Turf Diario).— After claiming back-to-back victories in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe(G1), Daryz will launch the next chapter of his career in a fitting location, standing alongside his legendary sire Sea The Stars (Cape Cross). Aga Khan Studs confirmed that the multi-time champion will join the roster at Ireland's Gilltown Stud for the 2027 breeding season as part of a major restructuring of its European stallion operations.

The decision marks a pivot from early plans to stand him at Haras de Bonneval, the operation’s French base, which will instead welcome two new high-profile stallion prospects.

Daryz was retired from racing shortly after securing his second straight Arc victory in early October at ParisLongchamp. His stellar campaign featured four G1 triumphs at distances ranging from 1800 to 2400 meters, driven by a devastating turn of foot that established him among the most admired racehorses in Europe.

“A winner of four G1 races from 1800 to 2400 meters and renowned for his electric acceleration, Daryz hails from one of the most distinguished families in the stud book and will represent a thrilling addition to the Irish stallion ranks,” Aga Khan Studs noted in an official statement.

Pairing Daryz with Sea The Stars, one of Europe’s premier sires, stands as one of the most compelling aspects of the operation's plan. For Irish breeders, it offers immediate local access to a stallion coming off a historic career on the racetrack.

Erevann Also Relocates to Gilltown

The roster adjustment also includes moving Erevann from Bonneval to Gilltown, bringing the Irish farm's stallion count to three.

A Group winner over the mile, Erevann enjoyed strong commercial reception in France, filling his books during his first four seasons at stud.

His pedigree represents a major selling point: sired by Dubawi, he is out of triple G1 winner Ervedya (Siyouni), a family that also produced Erdenali (Caravaggio), a top-level winner in 2026.

“This relocation will afford Irish breeders access to this impeccably bred son of Dubawi, whose dam is the exceptional Ervedya,” the stallion farm added.

Rayif and Samangan to Stand in France

Meanwhile, Haras de Bonneval will add Rayif and Samangan to its roster, where they will stand alongside Siyouni(Pivotal), Zarak (Dubawi), and Vadeni (Churchill).

Rayif, a grandson of Sea The Stars through Sea the Moon, boasts top-class mile credentials. His career highlights include victories in the Poule d'Essai des Poulains (G1)—the French 2000 Guineas—and the Prix Jacques Le Marois (G1).

He made his final career start in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (G1) at Ascot, finishing a close third behind Talk of New York (Wootton Bassett) on British Champions Day.

Beyond his performance on the track, his lineage blends stamina with speed; he is a half-brother to Rayevka (Blue Point), a G1-placed sprinter.

For his part, Samangan (Blue Point) brings a profile tailored toward early precocity and raw speed.

A double Group winner at age 2, he confirmed his elite standing as a 3-year-old by taking the Prix Maurice de Gheest(G1) over the summer. Out of an Oasis Dream mare and hailing from the dam line of classic champion Sarafina(Refuse to Bend), Samangan was described by Aga Khan Studs as the fastest and most precocious colt produced by the operation since Siyouni.

In total, the operation will stand eight stallions across its dual-country roster for the 2027 breeding season, with stud fees to be announced in due course.

The marquee attraction remains Daryz—a back-to-back Arc winner beginning his stud duty beside his own sire, poised to extend one of the most prestigious lines in European breeding from the paddocks of Gilltown.