Christophe Soumillon sets new European record on the Flat

Christophe Soumillon became the most successful Flat jockey in a European calendar year after taking his 2017 tally to 302 with a four-timer at Lyon La Soie on Saturday night.

Soumillon drew level with Pierre-Charles Boudot's previous record of 301 when partnering Skaters Waltz to victory - his third success on the card - and in the very next race he set a new high after scoring on Fankairos Ranger.

The Belgian-born multiple Group 1-winning jockey, 36, is retained by the Aga Khan and this year registered three top-flight victories for his main employer on Zarak (Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud), Shakeel (Grand Prix de Paris) and Vazirabad (Prix du Cadran). His other Group 1 win during 2017 came for Godolphin courtesy of Thunder Snow in the Prix Jean Prat.

Aga Khan Studs tweeted: "Well done @CSoumillon for the record! A great achievement for an ambitious man. #TopClassJockey #Champion #Neverbackdown."

In 2016, Boudot ended the year on 301, including a solitary victory in Italy, and was well clear of Peter Schiergen's previous best of 273 from 1995.

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