Goliath’s powerhouse owner John Stewart has called for France Galop to allow geldings to run in next year’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

Leading American owner-breeder John Stewart has revealed his star gelding Goliath will not take his chance in the Hong Kong Vase next month, with the four-year-old now set to head back to France to begin a period of rest.

A spectacular winner of the King George at Ascot in the summer, the Francis-Henri Graffard-trained German-bred fared best of the European raiders when finishing a credible sixth in the Grade 1 Japan Cup at Tokyo on Sunday.

Geldings are currently unable to run in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, but John Stewart, who owns Goliath via Resolute Bloodstock alongside Philip Baron Von Ullmann, hopes France's governing body will lift the ban to allow his son of Adlerflug to take his chance in Europe's premier middle-distance prize next year.

Speaking on X, he said: "Goliath has exited the recent race in excellent condition. After thorough discussions with @GraffardRacing and the @resracingky team, we have concluded that Goliath merits a period of rest,"

"We will be returning him to France as we prepare for a campaign aimed at showcasing him on a global scale in 2025.

"We urge @francegalop to permit Goliath, along with all geldings, to participate in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

"Horse racing enthusiasts deserve to witness the finest equine talent on the grandest platforms. If fillies are permitted to compete without any assurances regarding their fertility, it appears inconsistent to exclude exceptional horses simply due to being gelded.

"Regardless, we are committed to entering Goliath in the premier turf races worldwide."

Goliath has won six of his eleven starts to date and amassed £934,551 in prize money.