Aidan O’Brien and Francis-Henri Graffard have offered contrasting opinions on the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe changes. Proposed updates will allow geldings into the race from 2027.
Here is today’s racing news round-up for Thursday.
Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe: O’Brien & Graffard views differ on geldings change
Aidan O’Brien has expressed deep concerns about the changes to the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Europe’s middle distance showpiece will be open to geldings from 2027. Not only does that alter the “stallion making” nature of the contest, but O’Brien believes there are fundamental changes to training geldings compared to colts or entires. O’Brien said that “it’s so much easier to train a gelding in every way” and that geldings would have “an unfair advantage” moving forwards in the race. (Racing Post)
However, French trainer Francis-Henri Graffard has welcomed the news. Graffard trains both Calandagan and Goliath, who have won the Group 1 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot. That midsummer contest has long been open for geldings over 1m4f. Graffard spoke to Nick Luck’s Daily Podcast, stating “I think it’s a logical decision”. Calandagan could compete in the race for the first time as a six-year-old next season. (Sporting Life)
Ombudsman to skip Coral-Eclipse
Impressive Prince Of Wales’s Stakes winner Ombudsman will not contest the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown. The Godolphin-owned five-year-old once again won the Royal Ascot middle distance feature in splendid style. His performance this year earned him an Official Rating of 132. John & Thady Gosden’s charge has already scored over the Eclipse course and distance this season, when conceding 7lb to Gethin in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes. However, John Gosden stated he has “been a busy boy this year” and will have a break until York in August. (Racing Post)
Rebel Moon wins Naas feature
Only two meetings took place in Britain and Ireland on Wednesday. However, they included a Group 3 feature at Naas, which was won by Rebel Moon. Joseph O’Brien’s three-year-old was having just her second career start. She belied that inexperience though to win by a neck over Caught U Sleeping. The Jannah Rose Stakes also featured Oaks also-ran Cameo, who could finish only a well-held third for Aidan O’Brien. (Thoroughbred Daily News)
Equine flu restrictions lifted at Rowley yard
Restrictions imposed upon the yard of Mel Rowley have been lifted. A case of equine flu was discovered at the yard in early June after a horse proved symptomatic. The horse was tested at multiple facilities prior to restrictions being imposed. The BHA thanked the yard, as well as neighbouring premises, for their co-operation in combating the disease, which is yet to have a significant impact on the continuation of racing. (Racing TV)