The general public will almost certainly be absent from ParisLongchamp for Enable’s historic attempt at a third Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1), with race organizers now resigned to having to live within the current limit of 5,000 people on a racecourse. 

France Galop had hoped to gain a dispensation from Paris police and city authorities to welcome 15,000 to 20,000 people to a socially distanced Arc.

But, with the French government now prohibiting localities with elevated levels of COVID-19 infections from applying such exemptions to the 5,000-person limit on public gatherings, the decision was taken at a Sept. 3 meeting to proceed with plans to stage an “industry-only” Arc.

That will comprise owners, trainers, and other racing professionals in addition to media for the centenary running of Europe’s premier flat race.

Visitors from Britain and Ireland already faced the prospect of a 14-day quarantine on their return but those who went ahead and booked tickets in the hope—shared by the organizers—that a reasonable crowd might be allowed to attend, will hear in more detail over the coming days about plans to offer either a refund or a deferral to the 2021 Arc.