Coolmore supremo John Magnier has criticised France Galop’s plan to allow geldings into the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe from 2027, warning at the Curragh that Europe’s flagship Flat race would lose part of its identity.
The intervention, reported by Racing Post, follows last week’s France Galop board vote to seek European Pattern Committee approval for a change to the Longchamp race conditions.
Magnier’s view carries obvious weight. Coolmore has been linked with four Arc winners through Montjeu, Hurricane Run, Dylan Thomas and Found, and the operation again has leading 2026 contenders around Aidan O’Brien’s Ballydoyle team.
Coolmore stance sharpens Arc debate
The argument now moves beyond simple sporting access.
Supporters of the change can point to elite geldings such as Calandagan and Goliath, whose top-level Ascot wins strengthened calls for the Arc to admit horses currently barred from the race.
Magnier, however, framed the issue through the breed and the Arc’s long-established status as a stallion-making championship.
He said most purists would oppose the switch and argued that including geldings would alter the nature of the contest.
The timing matters. If approval is granted, the 2026 Arc on 4 October could be the final edition run under the old conditions.
Daryz is prominent in the market, while Coolmore’s Minnie Hauk, Constitution River and Diamond Necklace are also among the leading names for ParisLongchamp.
