Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe to be open to geldings from 2027

France Galop have announced that the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe will be open to geldings from 2027 for the first time in the race’s history.

Europe’s richest race had previously been one of two all-aged Group One’s in Europe which prohibits geldings from running.

This leaves the Prix Jacques le Marois as the only remaining race not open to geldings.

France Galop’s decision marks a landmark change in the history of the race, run annually in the first week of October at Paris Longchamp Racecourse. 

Calandagan the first?

The debate of whether geldings should be allowed in the Arc has raged on for many years.

That debate has come back to the fore since the emergence of Calandagan.

The French horse is one of the best in the world and has won multiple Group One races in various countries.

Yet he was not permitted to take his place in Europe’s most prestigious race.

He will not be able to do so this year also, as entries for the race have already shut.

Meaning that the landmark ruling will come into force next year.

Go ahead for geldings

The debate has carried on for many years, with the case made for many top class geldings over the years.

Aside from Calandagan, Goldolphin star Rebel’s Romance is another who has been prohibited from taking his place.

An argument for both sides is that aside from a handful of geldings, are there any that could be deemed good enough to win the Arc.

Perhaps the most notable gelding not to contest the Arc is Cirrus Des Aigles.

A seven-time Group One winner, Cirrus Des Aigles was one of, if not the (at times), world’s best racehorses.

Corine Barande-Barbe’s star had the measure of many of the world’s best – including Arc winner Treve.

Two lengths behind Frankel in the Champion Stakes to boot, also reading well.

Yet being a gelding, he never contested the Arc.

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Arc fightback

The decision has prompted some strong words by two of the world’s leading trainers.

French maestro Andre Fabre has won the race more times than anyone, commanding eight victories.

He has labelled the decision ‘stupid.’

Aidan O’Brien has also criticised the decision.

The Ballydoyle supremo has voiced his concerns stating that geldings pose an advantage, as they are easier to train.

Regardless of their protests, it seem unlikely the decision will be reversed as it was passed with an overwhelming majority.

It will take a year to come into force but the landmark ruling will usher in a new era for the Arc.

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