The participation of 2021 Lexus Melbourne Cup (G1) winner Verry Elleegant and others in the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1) is potentially in doubt after France Galop confirmed it would not increase the field size for the Oct. 2 race.
A total of 24 horses were left in the Arc by Sept. 27, with Australian mare Verry Elleegant set to be supplemented for the race Sept. 28 prior to final declarations the following day.
However, a maximum of 20 horses are permitted to line up with France Galop stating horses with the lowest rating will be prevented from running should more than 20 be declared.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the authority said: "France Galop has been asked several times about the maximum number of runners that will go to the start for the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe on Sunday. The 2022 racing code and the specific race conditions limited the number of runners to 20 and this is the number that will be retained."
If need be, elimination or balloting procedures are as follows: runners with the lowest rating will be eliminated sequentially. The rating is decided by the France Galop handicappers.
"In the case of horses with the same rating, eliminations will be made in the ascending order of prize money won for victories and places throughout the year 2022, with a draw in the case of a tie in prize-money earnings."
Arc remaining entries
Titleholder
Luxembourg
Vadeni
Mishriff
Deep Bond
Onesto
Torquator Tasso
Alpinista
Do Deuce
Westover
Alenquer
Broome
Mendocino
Mostahdaf
Stay Foolish
Bubble Gift
Mare Australis
Sealiway
Grand Glory
Al Hakeem
Cut-off line
La Parisienne
True Testament
West Wind Blows
Le Destrier
Verry Elleegant (needs supplemented)
