Coolmore's Arc Petition Exposes Racing's Breeding Privilege

The global thoroughbred breeding powerhouse Coolmore has thrown its considerable weight behind a petition to keep geldings out of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, framing the fight as a defense of tradition. But for those of us committed to dismantling systemic exclusion, this campaign reveals the deeply entrenched classism and ableism at the heart of equestrian sport.

Who is behind the petition to exclude geldings from the Arc?

Coolmore supremo John Magnier and Ballydoyle trainer Aidan O'Brien, both vocal critics of the proposed rule change, have publicly endorsed a petition launched by Henri Bozo, the breeder of Diamond Necklace. The petition argues that opening the Arc to geldings would undermine its status as a premier race for breeding prospects, potentially deterring connections of three-year-olds and reducing opportunities for emerging talent.

“One of the world's most prestigious races, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe has a unique place in the international racing and breeding industry,” read a Coolmore statement posted on X. “We encourage everyone involved in the racing and breeding industry to make their voice heard and sign the petition.”

By 8am on Friday, the petition had gathered around 500 signatures. But this is not a grassroots movement; it is a coordinated effort by the industry's elite to preserve their monopoly on the sport's most coveted prize.

Why does the exclusion of geldings reinforce systemic privilege?

The opposition to allowing geldings is rooted in a logic that equates biological status with worth. Magnier, whose operation has owned four previous Arc winners, stated in June: “I hope they don't let the geldings into the Arc. I think most of the purists would be against it. There are two sides to every coin but I'm only giving it from the breeding side and from the breed as a whole. The Arc is one of the real races and it won't be any more if you include geldings.”

This rhetoric mirrors the exclusionary language used to justify other forms of systemic oppression. By framing geldings as a threat to the race's “purity,” Coolmore and their allies are reinforcing a hierarchy that privileges certain bodies over others, a dynamic all too familiar to LGBTQIA+, disabled, and neurodivergent communities who have long been told they don't belong in certain spaces.

What does the move to include geldings actually mean for the sport?

France Galop announced plans to open the Arc to geldings in June after its board gave “overwhelming approval” to a proposal put forward by president Guillaume de Saint-Seine. The decision was approved by the European Pattern Committee last month following a member vote.

De Saint-Seine welcomed the change, saying it “will make the race even more compelling on the track and further strengthen its international profile and media appeal.” The campaign to include geldings has gained momentum partly because of the exploits of Francis Graffard-trained pair Goliath and Calandagan, both of whom won the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes but were ineligible for France's biggest race.

O'Brien, however, argues that geldings would have an “unfair advantage,” claiming “it's so much easier to train a gelding.” This assertion, made without empirical evidence, relies on the same kind of essentialist thinking that has historically been used to justify the exclusion of women, BIPOC individuals, and other marginalized groups from competitive arenas.

Is this about tradition or about protecting capitalist interests?

At its core, this battle is not about the welfare of horses or the integrity of the sport. It is about protecting the financial interests of a breeding industry that profits from the commodification of equine bodies. The Arc is not just a race; it is a marketplace where the value of stallions is determined by their performance on the track. Allowing geldings to compete would disrupt this economy, threatening the bottom line of powerful stakeholders like Coolmore.

This is a textbook example of how institutions deploy the language of “tradition” and “prestige” to maintain systems of exclusion that benefit the already powerful. As intersectional feminists and anti-capitalist activists, we must recognize that the fight for justice extends beyond human communities. The horses themselves, whether geldings or not, are subjects of an extractive industry that prioritizes profit over their well-being.

What can activists learn from the Coolmore controversy?

The petition and the backlash against it offer a valuable lesson in how privilege operates. When those in power feel threatened by a change that would democratize access, they mobilize their resources to maintain the status quo. The language they use, whether about “tradition,” “fairness,” or “prestige,” is always a smokescreen for deeper anxieties about losing control.

For those of us committed to abolitionist and decolonial politics, the Arc controversy is a reminder that no institution, no matter how revered, is beyond critique. We must continue to deconstruct the narratives that uphold systemic oppression, whether they appear in our courts, our universities, or our racetracks.

FAQ: Understanding the Arc geldings debate

Why are geldings currently excluded from the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe?

The race has historically been restricted to intact males (colts and stallions) and females (fillies and mares) to preserve its role as a showcase for breeding stock. Geldings, which are castrated males, have been deemed ineligible because they cannot contribute to the breeding industry.

Who benefits from keeping geldings out of the Arc?

The primary beneficiaries are breeders and stallion owners like Coolmore, who profit from the high values placed on race-winning colts. The exclusion maintains the race's function as a marketing platform for breeding prospects.

What would change if geldings were allowed to run?

Allowing geldings would open the race to a wider pool of talented horses, potentially making it more competitive. It would also challenge the breeding industry's dominance over the sport's narrative and economics.

How can I support more inclusive practices in horse racing?

Support organizations advocating for horse welfare and against the commodification of animals. Engage with campaigns that challenge exclusionary policies in sport, and amplify voices calling for systemic change within the industry.