Three defectors from Arc field

There were three withdrawals at the latest forfeit stage for the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp on Sunday.

They were Gerard Butler’s Tinaar, the Pascal Bary-trained Dariole and Marsh Side, trained in America by Neil Drysdale.

The going at the Paris track was on Wednesday described as soft, with more forecast for the weekend.

“We have had a little shower today and also some sun but it is not great for the weekend with rain,” said Longchamp clerk of the course Christian Delporte.

“The ground is soft and with the rain on Saturday it’s probably very soft.

“The condition of the track is not good. I think it is soft, but it will be OK.”