Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)
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By Lee Mottershead, Senior Writer
Christophe Soumillon’s future as the successful pilot for the Aga Khan remains uncertain and will be discussed in close talks on Monday, according to the principal owner’s daughter, Princess Zahra Aga Khan.
The hottest jockey in French racing stunned the sport on Friday when he cut Rossa Ryan off the saddle at Saint-Cloud and, after apologizing, was handed a 60-day suspension.
Soumillon won the Prix Daniel Wildenstein with Erevann on Saturday, despite the owners of Malavath, the filly he is due to partner in a Group 1 show on Sunday, after making it clear they thought the 41-year-old should not participate in Longchamp.
France Galop also confirmed it did not want Soumillon to be part of the two-day meeting, but said it was powerless to prevent the ten-time champion jockey from completing his five races on Saturday. France Galop has committed to reviewing its rules so that bans can be activated immediately.
Soumillon will partner the Aga Khan’s Prix du Jockey Club and Eclipse winner Vadeni in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (3.05) on day two and is also expected to ride the owner’s Ebaiyra in the Prix de the Opera.
Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)
” title=”Christophe Soumillon wins the Daniel Wildenstein Prize on Erevann at Longchamp on Saturday” class=”js-imageLoader” data-at-xn=”https://www.rp-assets.com/images/news/2022/10 /01/116573-medium.jpeg” data-br-n=”https://opycats.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/1664682326_505_Soumillons-future-with-the-Aga-Khan-uncertain-after-an-unacceptable.jpeg” data-br-m= “https://www.rp-assets.com/images/news/2022/10/01/116573-large.jpeg” data-br-w=”https://www.rp-assets.com/images/ news/2022/10/01/116573-large.jpeg” data-br-xw=”https://www.rp-assets.com/images/news/2022/10/01/116573-large.jpeg” onclick =”return false;”>
“We talked about what we could do and according to the rules of the race it was too close to this weekend so we are focusing on the races and will speak to Christophe on Monday,” said Princess Zahra.
“Obviously it was an inadmissible and unthinkable thing to do and do. As a team, we are going to have a good conversation with Christophe.”
Princess Zahra, who flew to France from Canada on Friday, was asked if the rider’s future employment with her family could now be in question.
She added: “It’s definitely too early for me to say. We’re still digesting it and we haven’t had a chance to all sit together yet.
“It was a very difficult thing to watch and it’s very lucky that nobody got hurt.”
Soumillon was the Aga Khan’s retained rider in France between 2002 and 2009, when a statement from the owner said his contract was not being renewed as relations had “become difficult”. The decision was taken after Soumillon made comments deemed misguided about André Fabre at a gala dinner.
The jockey enjoyed a triumphant return to green and red silks winning the Prix de l’Opéra with Dalkala in 2013. He then recorded a host of big winners for the Aga Khan since reuniting with one of the sport’s most coveted jobs.
Then read them:
France Galop admits not wanting Christophe Soumillon at Longchamp
Christophe Soumillon defies the call of the owners and walks the weekend at the Arc
Christophe Soumillon suspended for two months after nudging Rossa Ryan
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FIRST PUBLICATION AT 6:45 PM, OCTOBER 1, 2022
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