Coolmore back petition to stop geldings running in Arc
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Fri 9 Oct 2026
Next year’s Arc is due to be open to geldings – such as Calandagan – for the first time after the European Pattern Committee approved a proposal from France Galop that will see a significant change to the race.
Not everyone agrees with the move, however, with Coolmore supremo John Magnier among those to speak out against the proposal when it first emerged.
Speaking after seeing Benvenuto Cellini win the Irish Derby at the Curragh at the end of June, Magnier said: “I hope they don’t let the geldings into the Arc. I think most of the purists would be against it.
“There are two sides to every coin, but I’m only giving it from the breeding side and from the breed as a whole. The Arc is one of the real races and it won’t be any more if you include geldings.
“My father-in-law (Vincent O’Brien) used to always say that if he was training a yard of geldings the bookmakers would be in worse trouble!”
While the change has since been ratified, Coolmore have now signed and shared a petition in an attempt to “save the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe”.
A post on the Coolmore X feed read: “One of the world’s most prestigious races, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe has a unique place in the international racing and breeding industry.
“A petition has been launched opposing proposals to open the race to geldings, seeking to preserve its tradition, prestige and importance to the future of thoroughbred breeding.
“We encourage everyone involved in the racing and breeding industry to make their voice heard and sign the petition.”
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