Mikael Barzalona celebrates on Daryz

Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe open to geldings from 2027

Horse Racing

Wed June 24, 2026 · 15h ago

France Galop has approved the opening of the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe to geldings.

Board members reportedly voted to allow the change on Monday but it must first be ratified by the European Pattern Committee.

If approved, this could come into effect in 2027 and join Group 1 races like the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, the British Champion Stakes and Irish Champion Stakes in being open to both colts and geldings as well as fillies and mares.

There has been an increasing clamour in recent years to allow geldings to compete in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

The hugely popular Cirrus Des Aigles contested Group 1 races around the world but was forbidden from lining up in his own country's showpiece event and the same has been true of current middle distance star Calandagan who made history when winning the Japan Cup in November.

Both Calandagan and Cirrus Des Aigles contested the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the British Champions Stakes at Ascot.

The latter race usually takes place around two weeks after the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and the change in rules, if approved, could have a detrimental effect upon the quality of the Ascot contest.

Calandagan beats Masquerade Ball (right) in the Japan Cup: Copyright of the Japan Racing Association (JRA)

Calandagan is trained by Francis-Henri Graffard who spoke to the Nick Luck Daily podcast on Tuesday and was asked for his take on the decision.

"I never really wanted to be involved in the decision or raising my voice but I think it's important for the race to see one of the best in the world and a highly rated gelding like Calandagan," he told the host.

"For the sport or the race it's a problem and the Arc is going down in the best races in the world [calculated by averaging the ratings of the first four placed horses], last year shows that so I think it's a logical decision and when you see what's happening abroad, I don't see why not basically."

Graffard admitted that he would like to see the French racing authorities go even further, continuing: "When the races are restricted to three-year-olds, like the Classics, they should be entire or fillies only, but as soon as the different generations meet, I think it's important [to be open to geldings].

"I think the Jacques le Marois would benefit from it too because a horse like Solow for example, he couldn't run in the Jacques Le Marois so he went to the Sussex Stakes [which he won in 2015].

"I think if you want to show the best horses in your country, you need to open these races."

Safer gambling

We are committed in our support of safer gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.

If you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline / GamCare on 0808 8020 133.

Further support and information can be found at begambleaware.org and gamblingtherapy.org.

Like what you've read?