ONE of the world’s most iconic races could be set for a dramatic change as reports have emerged that the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe will be open to geldings for the first time next year.

There has been significant discussion for a number of years surrounding whether geldings should be allowed to take part in ParisLongchamp’s autumn highlight. The ineligibility of top middle-distance performers like Calandagan (a five-year-old gelding) have brought the debate into sharp focus of late.

According to a report on French equine publication Jour De Galop, board members at France Galop have given the green light to opening the Arc to geldings, though this proposal still needs to be approved by the European Pattern Committee. Resistance to the move from other European racing nations is not thought to be anticipated, given that most similar Group 1s are already accessible to geldings.

With entries already filed for this year’s race, which takes place on October 4th, next year will be the first chance for the race conditions to shift.

In a recent edition of The Big Interview in The Irish Field, Princess Zahra Aga Khan was asked for her take on the topic, given that her Aga Khan Studs’ silks were carried to victory in last year’s Arc by Daryz and she is also represented by last year’s highest-rated gelding in the world, Calandagan.

“Well, I can give you several different views,” Princess Zahra told The Irish Field.

“When I was asked that live on TV, I said, ‘that’s above my pay grade,’ because it is above my pay grade - I’m not on the committee de France Galop.

“Amongst our operation, I think most people feel that the classics should be reserved for entires, but that the Arc is one of those races that could be flexible about that.”

Princess Zahra went on to point out that the restriction didn’t hinder Calandagan’s ability to perform at the highest level, as he instead travelled to Tokyo to win the Japan Cup.

“We built a programme for Calandagan that didn’t include the Arc, and it’s been fine, you know?” she said.

“We have to be creative, but there are enough races around the world to make it acceptable, so I’m really quite agnostic on that one race.”

William Hill make it 7/1 that any gelding wins next year’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.