OpinionLee Mottershead
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Racing has a lifelong responsibility to racehorses - deciding who is responsible is a vital next step

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Senior writer
Montassib: 25-1 shot gets the better of Kind Of Blue (near) in Haydock Group 1
Montassib holds off Kind Of Blue to win the Betfair Sprint CupCredit: Grossick Racing

Britain's latest Group 1 was won by a gelding, which was both timely and fortuitous, particularly for the connections of Montassib.

By way of a quick precis, this column last week argued next month's Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe is severely weakened by France Galop's ban on geldings taking part. As a result of that restriction, the contest will be staged without the involvement of stablemates Calandagan and Goliath, both of whom have posted Racing Post Ratings some way in excess of all the Arc's leading ante-post candidates.

To France Galop's credit, the governing body subsequently revealed the rule barring geldings from the Arc and Prix Jacques le Marois will be reconsidered as part of a wider strategic review. This is a positive development.

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Published on inLee Mottershead

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