Christophe Soumillon out of luck on first rides at Rowley Mile for six seasons

For the first time in six years Christophe Soumillon was riding on the Rowley Mile on Wednesday, having answered Saeed Bin Suroor's call to partner Craven Stakes favourite Royal Marine.

The internationally renowned rider, who has claimed the French jockeys' championship ten times, was in action at Newmarket for three rides, all for Bin Suroor and Godolphin.

None of the mounts yielded a victory, with 13-8 favourite Royal Marine enduring a tough passage in the Craven en route to finishing fourth. But Soumillon and Bin Suroor have teamed up on the worldwide stage to great effect of late having had a lot of success during the winter at Meydan, culminating with Thunder Snow claiming the Dubai World Cup.

Soumillon could be a more regular sighting through the summer as he said: "When Saeed really wants me to come over I'll come over but I've got a contract in France. But I'll try and come to the big meetings when possible. When you have the chance to come over here it's a pleasure."

Although born in Belguim, Soumillon has spent many years living and riding in France and he, like many others, was shocked by events in Paris on Monday when a huge blaze engulfed the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, causing considerable damage.

As a sign of solidarity Soumillon has pledged to donate all his earnings this week to help restore the Unesco World Heritage Site to its former glory, with the fund for the restoration approaching £700 million.

"I was shocked and devastated when I saw it [the fire]," Soumillon added. "It is an important monument for France, Europe and world history. If everybody gives something we can rebuild it, I hope everybody will do the same. It was a big shock and we have to help as best we can."

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