France Galop board backs plan to allow geldings in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe

Following yesterday’s meeting of the France Galop Board of Directors, the Board overwhelmingly approved a proposal from President Guillaume de Saint-Seine to allow geldings to compete in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

This landmark decision marks a new step in France Galop’s ambition to establish the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe as the undisputed global benchmark in Flat racing. By expanding the field of eligible runners, France Galop is pursuing a clear objective: to strengthen the sporting contest, increase the event’s appeal and make it an even more compelling spectacle at the heart of its sportainment strategy.

The aim is to offer spectators at ParisLongchamp and television viewers around the world a simple but powerful promise: the opportunity to see, without exception, the world’s best three-year-olds and older horses compete over flat racing’s most prestigious distance, 2,400 metres.

As with the decision taken during Edouard de Rothschild’s presidency to shorten the distance of the Prix du Jockey Club, the full effects of this change will only be seen over time. The proposal must now be approved by the European Pattern Committee, which is expected to review it in the first quarter of 2027.