EVER hear of a guy called Louis Romanet? Well, he used to be heavily involved in French racing, but these days is better known as the chairman of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities — if that’s not a contradiction.

Organisers of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe were today waxing lyrical about the potential duel on October 2 between last year’s champion Hurricane Run and Japanese challenger Deep Impact, a former Japanese Triple Crown winner.

France's powerful challenge for Cheltenham Festival prizes is set to be scrapped after the country's government announced a ban on the movement of horses.