Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe News - Gelding to be allowed to run in Europe's showpiece from 2027

Jon Vine

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Last updated: Tue 23 Jun 2026 15:29

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Geldings expected to become eligible for Arc in 2027
Change approved by France Galop, pending final committee approval
Broader participation will enhance Europe's top middle-distance race

The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. (Getty)

One of the most significant changes in modern European Flat racing could arrive in 2027, with geldings expected to become eligible for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe for the first time in the race's history.

The Arc, run each October at ParisLongchamp, is widely viewed as Europe's most prestigious middle-distance championship. While it regularly attracts elite performers from across the globe, the long-standing exclusion of geldings has remained a controversial aspect of the race conditions.

The debate has intensified in recent seasons as several outstanding geldings have emerged at the highest level. Among them are Francis-Henri Graffard-trained stars Goliath and Calandagan, both of whom would have been unable to contest the Arc despite competing successfully in many of the world's leading races.

Goliath was the first to hit the headlines when capturing King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes glory for Graffard in 2024. Calandagan then enjoyed a remarkable campaign the following year, capturing major victories in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, and the Champion Stakes before adding international success in the Japan Cup.

Calandagan's owners, Aga Khan Stud were the ones most affected by the current restrictions to the Arc. However, as Calandagan went on to win the Champion Stakes at Ascot, his stablemate, Daryz took down Minnie Hauk to win the 2025 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

"As the owners of Calandagan, obviously it was a bit frustrating that the big race he would go for in France wasn't open to him. But as it turned out, we won the race with Daryz and it meant Calandagan went to international targets, so in a global sense it wasn't something that impacted us too much." said Nemone Routh, French racing manager and director for the Aga Khan Studs.

Routh then went on to explain that Calandagan, despite his forthcoming eligability for the Arc, would be an unlikely runner in 2027 anyway.

"The 2027 Arc is a long way off and he has shown he doesn't really like testing ground. If he's still in great form and happy and he's thriving, obviously it would have to come into consideration, but it is a long way away."

No amendments will be made ahead of this year's running, as entries have already closed under the existing conditions. However, reports in the French racing media suggest that France Galop's board has approved plans to remove the restriction from 2027 onwards.

Before the rule change can officially take effect, it must receive approval from the European Pattern Committee. Should that final step be completed, geldings would become eligible to compete in the Arc for the first time, potentially opening the door for a broader range of top-class performers to take part in Europe's flagship race.