Julian Muscat offers a compelling argument in favor of geldings running in all of Europe's most prestigious races (BloodHorse Magazine, October 2024). He explores the sporting dimension ("racing is about identifying the best horse, period"), and notes that the grand geldings (Forego, Kelso) become fan favorites, "something to savor" over time.
Oddly enough, the genetic factor strengthens Muscat's argument. Obviously, the gelded runner will not contribute directly to the gene pool, but close family members almost certainly will. And they may represent bloodlines of great and considerable importance. If, for example, the immensely talented geldings Goliath and Calandagan (discussed by Muscat) had been allowed to run in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1), and if one had emerged victorious, it would have confirmed not only the sire power of, respectively, Adlerflug and Gleneagles, but the influence of broodmares Gouache and Calayana and broodmare sires Shamardal and Sinndar.
Geldings, despite their anatomical shortcomings, still carry with them a rich genetic tapestry. Sometimes gloriously so. They deserve to compete at the highest level, in their family's name.
Michael Burns
Cambus-Kenneth Farm
Danville, Ky.
