Jean-Claude Rouget will get one last shot at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe after the Commercial Tribunal in Pau agreed to delay the wind-up of his training business until October 6, two days after the race.
The 73-year-old’s 48-year career had been due to end this month, with the tribunal originally set to conclude its deliberations in late September. The short postponement means Rouget keeps his licence and his runners through Arc weekend at ParisLongchamp.
Arrow Eagle is set to carry the stable’s colours in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, which is scheduled to go off at 3.05pm UK time (4.05pm in Paris) on Sunday, October 4. The five-year-old finished sixth in last year’s Arc at odds of 105-1 before winning the Group 1 Prix Royal-Oak, and is a half-brother to Ace Impact, who gave Rouget his most recent Arc success in 2023. Cristian Demuro is his regular rider.
Rouget has trained more than 7,000 winners, including two Arcs and 14 French Classics, but recent ill health and a falling string had already pushed him towards retirement before the financial difficulties at his Pau yard.
