Goliath's owner makes renewed call for Arc to be opened up to geldings as he plots campaign 'on a global scale' for star next season

Connections of Goliath have renewed the call for geldings to be permitted to run in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe after confirming the talented four-year-old will not run again before an ambitious international campaign next year.

The four-year-old, who is owned by John Stewart's Resolute Racing and Philip Baron Von Ullmann, will return to France rather than contest next month's Hong Kong Vase after finishing sixth in the Group 1 Japan Cup on Sunday. 

Goliath produced one of the performances of the season for trainer Francis Graffard when winning the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes by two and a quarter lengths in July from subsequent Arc winner Bluestocking. 

"Goliath has exited his recent race in excellent condition," Stewart posted on X. "After thorough discussions, with Francis Graffard and the Resolute Racing team, we've concluded that he merits a period of rest. We'll be returning him to France as we prepare for a campaign aimed at showcasing him on a global scale in 2025.

"We urge France Galop to permit Goliath, along with all geldings, to participate in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Horseracing enthusiasts deserve to witness the finest equine talent on the grandest platforms. If fillies are permitted to compete without any assurances regarding their fertility, it appears inconsistent to exclude exceptional horses simply due to being gelded. 

"Regardless, we're committed to entering Goliath in the premier turf races worldwide."

The issue of whether the Arc should fall into line with other major weight-for-age races in Europe rose back up the agenda this year partly thanks to the performances of the Graffard-trained geldings Goliath and Calandagan, who finished runner-up to Derby winner City Of Troy in the Juddmonte International in August after winning the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot. 

The Arc and the Prix Jacques le Marois are restricted to colts and fillies as part of the promotion of thoroughbred breeding, although France Galop revealed this year that the subject will be revisited for the first time since 2019 as part of the governing body's overall strategic review, the 2030 Plan.   

Read more:

'There was no way he was going to lose' - local heroes Yutaka Take and Do Deuce strike in Japan Cup with Auguste Rodin eighth 

'An incredible journey' - Auguste Rodin given post-racing farewell by 15,000 Japanese racing fans 

Meet the big-spending American going to extraordinary lengths for Royal Ascot winners - but who has a Japan Cup date first with Goliath 

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