Starting in 2027, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe will open its entry list to geldings, a significant departure from the race's long-standing tradition. France-Galop, the governing body for French horse racing, confirmed the change in June as part of an effort to ensure the event remains competitive on the world stage.

Historically, the Arc has been considered Europe’s premier horse race, earning the title of 'World’s Best Horse Race' five times between 2015 and 2021. However, in recent years, the race has faced stiff competition from international events like the Japan Cup and the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Industry analysts suggest that the exclusion of geldings has hindered the Arc's ability to attract the highest-rated middle-distance horses. The success of top-tier geldings, such as the French-trained Calandagan, has highlighted the potential impact of this restriction on the quality of the field.

By allowing geldings to participate, organizers hope to bolster the race's prestige and ensure it remains a top-tier destination for the world's best equine talent. While the move marks a break from tradition, supporters of the change argue that it is a necessary evolution to keep the event relevant in an increasingly globalized racing market.