Allowing geldings in Group 1 races isn't just right - it's become imperative

The sporting world has been embroiled in Lionel Messi's move to PSG this week, but with that drama now all sorted it's time for racing to focus on the repercussions of its own recent transfer saga.

Runaway Prix Robert Papin winner Atomic Force was moved to Hong Kong last week in a bitter blow for trainer Kevin Ryan. Confirming the switch to the Racing Post, bloodstock agent Alastair Donald – who brokered the move for owner Siu Pak Kwan – said connections felt they had "more to lose than gain" by keeping one of Europe's leading juveniles in his home continent.

That's because Atomic Force is a gelding and therefore barred from all the top two-year-old Group 1 races as well as the Classics and the Commonwealth Cup early next season. In contrast, there is no such rule in place to prevent him running in the top races in Hong Kong, nor would there be had he moved to Australia, where the top two-year-old race, the Golden Slipper, is open to geldings.