The unique open stretch of the renovated ParisLongchamp will not be utilised during the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Tromphe weekend on Oct. 6-7, France Galop announced on Tuesday. The decision was made due to concerns that the ground conditions would be affected for Sunday's card by Saturday's racing action. The rail will be set at 16 metres on Oct. 6, with the true rail being used the day after, which will see six Group 1 races contested on a six-metre wide strip of fresh ground.
“It is our duty to provide the best possible ground for all competitors so that they can all give their best,” said France Galop's Managing Director Olivier Delloye. “The introduction of the open stretch, even without an widened rail, would not allow us to take full advantage of a portion of ground completely new next to the rail. The open stretch naturally leads the horses to a section of the track that has been used intensively since the spring. We have decided to give up the open stretch the day before too. The open stretch has considerably improved the regularity of the races but the top priority is the quality of the course we offer. When the two do not prove compatible, the choice imposes itself. “
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
