France Galop has overwhelmingly approved a proposal to allow geldings to run in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, with the landmark rule change now awaiting European Pattern Committee ratification before a likely 2027 introduction.
Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe to Allow Geldings Next Year
— BloodHorse (@BloodHorse) June 23, 2026
The move, led by France Galop president Guillaume de Saint-Seine, would open Europe’s richest Flat race to geldings for the first time. The 2026 Arc at ParisLongchamp is unaffected, with entries already taken, but the new conditions are expected to be reviewed in the first quarter of 2027.
France Galop said the change is designed to strengthen the race as a global championship over 2,400 metres by widening eligibility to the best older horses and three-year-olds, rather than keeping the race restricted to colts, fillies and mares. Thoroughbred Daily News reported the France Galop board decision and the remaining ratification step.
Arc tradition faces a sporting reset
The decision has immediate relevance because elite geldings such as Calandagan and Goliath have sharpened debate around whether championship races should prioritise stallion-making tradition or pure sporting depth.
Francis Graffard, trainer of Calandagan, Goliath and last year’s Arc winner Daryz, welcomed the direction of travel, arguing that inter-generational races should be open to the best horses regardless of sex or breeding status.
Andre Fabre, the Arc’s record eight-time winning trainer, remains firmly opposed, warning against breaking tradition without a serious reason.
