Protect the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe

The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and the question of opening the race to geldings

1. The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is the emblematic race of French Flat racing. It has attracted an average of 15 to 16 runners over the past 20 years, coming from all the major racing nations. Its average rating is among the highest in the world every year, and often the highest. The Arc is the dream objective for the greatest owners and trainers worldwide. Why question a great French race that enjoys global prestige, attracts a strong field and consistently achieves an exceptionally high rating ?
2. It is widely recognised that gelding can benefit horses, making them easier to train, improving their performance and potentially extending their racing careers. Over the past 20 years, a dense and highly lucrative international programme has been developed for these competitors, with prize money continuing to increase. Let us ensure that the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe remains different from these races in the Middle East, Asia and the United States, and continues to be the world’s premier selection race over 2,400 metres. 
3. The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe derives much of its prestige and uniqueness from the fact that it is one of the few major races in the world over 2,400 metres reserved for future breeding prospects. It gives particular value to this distance at a time of year when a meaningful confrontation between three-year-olds and older horses can take place. Many owners and trainers of young horses are willing to take the gamble of facing older horses and, in some cases, tackling this distance for the first time. The presence of geldings could make them more reluctant to do so. France can be proud to host such a unique race, one that is admired and envied around the world.
4. There have been occasions when the Arc has attracted an excessively large field. If selection were to be based on prize money or ratings, it is likely that older geldings, who have had more opportunities to race and have competed in richly endowed races, would take places away from less exposed three-year-olds.
5. The history of successful stallions clearly shows that it would be unwise to claim that certain races alone “make” stallions. It is important to take a step back and look at the bigger picture rather than give in to short-term trends. The Arc has produced outstanding stallions such as Ribot, Vaguely Noble, Mill Reef, Rainbow Quest, Montjeu and Sea The Stars. It has also been won many times by fillies and mares, and there is nothing to say that Ace Impact will not join that list. As it stands, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is a major target for the best colts from France, Britain, Ireland, Germany and Japan. It is likely that connections may be reluctant to travel if their horses are competing on unequal terms against geldings.
6. If the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is opened to geldings, where would we draw the line? What about the Classics, and why should they not follow the same path? Such a change could also encourage earlier and more widespread gelding. We should instead encourage owners and trainers to try to train high-class colts, even if doing so requires greater effort, skill and patience. If gelding were to become commonplace, what would be the long-term future of breeding and genetic selection ?
7. This issue raises a genuine debate that deserves consultation with all the stakeholders concerned: trainers, owners, stallion owners, breeders and breeding authorities. We should not make such a decision without consulting those directly involved, in order to fully understand, assess and weigh the potential implications and consequences of such a fundamental change.

By signing this petition, you are expressing your opposition to opening the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe to geldings.