Christophe Soumillon loses Aga Khan job but may continue to ride owner's horses

Christophe Soumillon had his contract as first rider for the Aga Khan terminated on Tuesday – but the controversial jockey could yet ride again in the famous silks he has worn to victory on some of racing's greatest horses.

Soumillon was relieved of his retainer in the wake of the incident in which the Belgian's flying elbow propelled Rossa Ryan from his horse at Saint-Cloud on Friday.

The decision brought to an end Soumillon's second spell as the Aga Khan's first jockey in France, which began in 2014. He previously rode in the famous green silks from 2002 to 2009, an era which brought two Arc successes with Dalakhani and Zarkava.

French racing's highest-profile jockey stunned the sport when he made contact with Ryan mid-race at Saint-Cloud, leading to a 60-day suspension. He hinted in an interview on Sunday that he knew the writing was on the wall when referring to the "current circumstances".

Christophe Soumillon (grey) elbowed Rossa Ryan off his horse at Saint-Cloud on FridayCredit: Sky Sports Racing

After news of the split emerged on Tuesday morning, the 41-year-old told the Racing Post: "I am of course very disappointed to lose my retainer with the Aga Khan Studs, but I am immensely proud and honoured to have held such a highly esteemed position for so long and wish them continued success.

"I realise that I have bridges to rebuild and am determined to show commitment and desire to those owners and trainers that wish to engage my services."

A statement released by the Aga Khan Studs said: "Following last Friday's incident at Saint-Cloud, which resulted in the fall of Rossa Ryan, the Aga Khan Studs have taken the decision to cease their retainer with jockey Christophe Soumillon with immediate effect.

"From this week onwards, Soumillon may still ride in the Aga Khan silks on occasion at the discretion of the French trainers and the Aga Khan Studs team. At this stage, there is no intention to retain a jockey in France for the foreseeable future."

Christophe Soumillon heads out aboard Erevann ahead of the Prix Daniel WildensteinCredit: Edward Whitaker

The Aga Khan's racing and stud manager in France, Georges Rimaud, confirmed that, with no long-term replacement being sought in the short term, Soumillon could still be used "from time to time".

"The timing wasn't good – there would never be a good time for something like this to occur – but the decision has been taken," said Rimaud. "It won't prevent Christophe from riding our horses again from time to time if the trainer in question feels it would be useful. But he will not be under contract in the way he has been up until now."

Soumillon was sacked in 2009 when relations broke down following his ill-judged comments at a gala dinner, leading to Christophe Lemaire's appointment as retained jockey.

Rimaud outlined the reasons for going without a retained number one for now, adding: "For the moment, having discussed it with our trainers, we think it's preferable to let them have a bit more liberty in their choice of who rides, and so to not have a retained jockey in 2023.

"But nothing is ruled out. It's the decision we have taken but that could evolve. Right now we are not looking to sign a retainer with anyone."

With Soumillon's 60-day suspension not kicking in until October 14, the jockey was able to ride at Longchamp's two-day Arc meeting, partnering Erevann to victory in the Prix Daniel Wildenstein on Saturday in the Aga Khan silks. He also had a near-miss in the same colours in Europe's richest race, the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, when Vadeni finished a half-length second to Alpinista.

His participation at Longchamp caused plenty of controversy, with the French governing body confirming it did not want Soumillon to be a part of the weekend.

Read these next:

Five of the best: Christophe Soumillon's finest moments for the Aga Khan

Christophe Soumillon banned for two months after elbowing Rossa Ryan

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