Paris tradition, a rule change and the draw shape build-up to the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
France-Galop announced in June that geldings will be allowed to run in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe from 2027, a decision that has been discussed during the build-up to this year’s edition at Longchamp on Sunday. The Arc was officially the World’s Best Horse Race in five of the seven years after the award was introduced in 2015, but has fallen short of rivals since 2021.
The race’s heritage remains visible in the names and connections among the leading contenders. Daryz is the favourite and, if successful, would become the first male horse to win a second Arc since Alleged and Lester Piggott in 1978. Maltese Cross is trained by William Haggas, Lester Piggott’s son-in-law, while Andrew Balding will run King George winner Kalapana as he seeks to return the trophy to Park House Stables 55 years after Ian Balding trained Mill Reef in 1971. Joseph O’Brien’s Oaks winner Thundering On is a shorter price than any of his father Aidan’s three remaining runners; Criquette Head is part-owner of Pearled Majesty; and Jean-Claude Rouget, a dual winner in 2020 and 2023 with Sottsass and Ace Impact, will close out his 48-year career when he saddles Arrow Eagle.
Daryz heads a list of 19 possible runners after the latest declaration stage on Monday, though one of those, Sunly, seems more likely to take up an alternative engagement on Saturday. John & Thady Gosden’s Friendly Soul earned a free supplementary entry via her win in the Prix Vermeille earlier this month and could be added to the field on Wednesday. The field is therefore still subject to change ahead of the weekend.
Japanese hopes rest with Meisho Tabaru and Admire Terra, who will attempt to snap Japan’s 0-for-36 losing streak in the Arc, which stretches all the way back to 1969. Aidan O’Brien’s initial entry has been whittled down to three possible runners: Diamond Necklace, Minnie Hauk and Benvenuto Cellini.
Conditions and the draw remain important outstanding factors. The going in Paris is unusually quick for this time of year and, although a drop or two of rain has entered the forecast, the ground still seems likely to be no slower than good. That is described as favourable for Maltese Cross but less encouraging for supporters of Thundering On, whose participation has yet to be definitely confirmed as her connections hope for some ease in the ground.
Procedures around stall positions and jockey declarations have been adjusted for the week. The draw for stall positions will be made on Thursday morning "under the supervision of a Commissioner for Justice", with the outcome kept under wraps until an "opening ceremony" on Thursday evening that will be broadcast live on France-Galop’s YouTube channel. The deadline for declaring jockeys and equipment has been extended to later on Thursday evening, and it is entirely possible that riding arrangements for Aidan O’Brien’s three runners will be delayed until his first-choice jockey, Ryan Moore, knows where they are drawn.
The draw will be made on Thursday morning, the opening ceremony broadcast Thursday evening, and by Friday morning the field is expected to be finalised as thousands of racegoers prepare to travel to Paris. The Arc may not have been the official best race of the year since 2021, but for many Flat racing fans its unofficial standing remains unchanged.