Belgian Christophe Soumillon is SACKED as the Aga Khan’s jockey for elbowing fellow rider Rossa Ryan off his horse at 35mph during a race in France
- The jockey shocked the racing world when he pushed Rossa Ryan from saddle
- Belgian jockey is facing a 60-day ban for his egregious act at Saint-Cloud
- Statement released by Aga Khan said it had terminated the contract of jockey
Christophe Soumillon has paid the ultimate penalty for his egregious act at Saint-Cloud last week when he knocked fellow jockey Rossa Ryan from his ride with the Belgian seeing his contract with the Aga Khan terminated.
The two-time Arc-winning rider, French racing’s highest profile jockey, was banned for 60 days following his reckless elbowing of Ryan mid-race.
Soumillon, whose suspension doesn’t begin until October 14, was permitted to sport the famous green and red silks in Sunday’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe where he rode Vadeni to finish runner-up to British-trained winner Alpinista.
He has enjoyed an association with the Aga Khan’s horses stretching back to 2002 before becoming retained rider for the second time in 2014 and has been 10-time champion jockey in France.
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.
Christophe Soumillon shocked the racing world by elbowing his fellow jockey from his saddle at Saint-Cloud
‘At this stage, there is no intention to retain a jockey in France for the foreseeable future.’
Soumillon partnered two Arc winners for the Aga Khan, Zarkava (2008) and Dalakhani (2003) and steered Erevann to victory on Saturday for the preeminent owner in the Group 2 Qatar Prix Daniel Wilderstein.
His final ride under contract in the world-famous colours didn’t end quite so positively when Ebaiyra finished stone last in the Prix de l’Opera Longines.
Soumillon has seen his contract with Aga Khan terminated after crunch talks
His participation at Longchamp last weekend caused great controversy within the sport, with the French governing body confirming it did not want Soumillon to be part of the action in Paris.
France Galop also pledged to revisit its rules so bans can be activated with immediate effect.
Aga Khan has made the decision to terminate the contract of the Belgian jockey following last week’s incident