André Fabre states he is "firmly against" allowing geldings to run in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe

The measure adopted by France Galop, which is set to take effect starting in 2027, has already met with its first opposing voices

PARIS, France— While France Galop moves forward with its project to open the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1) to geldings starting in 2027, one of the most authoritative voices in European racing has publicly expressed his opposition to the measure.

None other than André Fabre, the most successful trainer in the history of the race with eight victories, declared himself "firmly against" the proposal approved this week by the board of the French governing body, which still requires final approval from the European Pattern Committee.

"I am firmly against it," Fabre told the Press Association. "At the moment it is just a proposal, but I don’t see any benefit to it."

The stance of the legendary French conditioner, who last captured the Arc with Waldgeist (Galileo) in 2019, is based on both sporting arguments and the tradition of a race considered the ultimate test for future European bloodstock.

"It is true that several recent winners have not gone on to become successful stallions, with the exception of Sea The Stars (Cape Cross), but we need more stallions, not fewer," he explained.

Fabre also believes that geldings enjoy certain competitive advantages: "I agree that a gelding is much easier to train than an entire horse. That already represents an advantage." Furthermore, he dismissed the idea that the measure is necessary to improve the quality or field size of the event: "The Arc always brings together a great field of runners, so that is not the reason."

Comparing the situation to the Epsom Derby (G1), he added: "Some of the recent winners have not stood out as stallions either, but this goes in cycles." He concluded with a defense of the race’s historical values: "I am a big defender of tradition and I don't like breaking it without a truly important reason. The fact that there are one or two horses that perform better as geldings does not seem like enough of a reason to me. It would be a shame."

France Galop's decision was officially presented as part of a strategy aimed at reinforcing the global character of the Arc, allowing all the best horses in the world, without exception, to compete over the 2400 meters at ParisLongchamp.

Among the recent examples that fueled the debate are Goliath (Adlerflug) and, especially, Calandagan (Gleneagles),both trained by Francis-Henri Graffard. The latter concluded his 2025 campaign as the highest-rated horse in the world after winning the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (G1), the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1), the Champion Stakes (G1), and the Japan Cup (G1), though he was never able to participate in the Arc due to his status as a gelding.

Paradoxically, Calandagan's owners, the Aga Khan Studs, were not overly hindered by the restriction, as they captured the great French race in 2025 anyway thanks to the brilliant Daryz (Sea the Stars).

"As owners of Calandagan, it was obviously a bit frustrating that the most important race in France was not open to him," acknowledged Nemone Routh, racing manager for the Aga Khan Studs in France. "But we ended up winning the Arc with Daryz, and that allowed Calandagan to target international objectives. From a global perspective, it didn't affect us too much."

Routh was also cautious about a potential appearance by the star in the 2027 edition: "That is a very long way off.Furthermore, he showed that he doesn't much care for heavy tracks. If he remains sound, happy, and in great form, it will obviously have to be considered, but it is still far in the distance."

Meanwhile, the debate remains open. On one side are those who believe the Arc must adapt to international realities and welcome the best horses in the world without restrictions. On the other are historical figures like Fabre, convinced that certain traditions deserve to be preserved even in times of change.