Christophe Soumillon Banned After Elbowing Fellow Jockey in 35mph Horror Collision
Sometimes things unfold in sport that leave you rubbing your eyes and asking, “did that really just happen?”
That was the case at a horse racing meeting in France earlier in October when jockey Christophe Soumillon attacked a rival in the middle of a race.
The Belgian was riding alongside Rossa Ryan in the Prix Thomas Bryon Jockey Club de Turquie at the back of the field, before Soumillon – for reasons known only to him – elbowed the Irishman and forced him from his horse.
Given that they were traveling at around 35mph at the time, the collision could have had disastrous consequences for Ryan, who was sent crashing to the turf in a heap. Happily, he was left unharmed, and returned to the saddle just 24 hours later.
Although a rarity in the sport, such incidents are horrible to see for the spectators present and those watching on TV. Not only is their experience impacted, but the outcome is that the integrity of the race itself is brought into question. Ryan’s mount Captain Wierzba was considered a strong contender to win, while Soumillon’s ride Syros would presumably have been disqualified if he had prevailed. Those who wager at horse racing betting sites are greatly affected by incidents like the one witnessed at Saint-Cloud, as the final result may have been changed after the race – leading to some bettors not being paid out as expected.
As for Soumillon himself, he can count himself pretty fortunate. France Galop, the regulator of horse racing in the European country, decided to ban him for just two months, and he was allowed to compete in the prestigious Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe after the suspension was scheduled for later in October.
Did the Punishment Fit the Crime?
An immediate ban, which would have seen Soumillon withdrawn from his plum ride Vadeni in the Arc, would surely have been more fitting.
However, he was allowed to compete in the major at Longchamp, and ended up finishing in second place to score a huge payday for the horse’s owners, the Aga Khan Stud.
Ironically, a spokesperson for the Aga Khan team would later reveal that Soumillon has been dropped as the retained rider for the famed operation, although they refused to completely rule out working with the Belgian in the future.
The question now is which ownership team or trainer will take a chance on Soumillon given the bad press he has been given recently. Some may refuse to give him rides – his 2022 Flat racing season is already over due to the length of his suspension, although by the time the next campaign rolls around in 2023 the truth is that his bizarre bout of unwarranted aggression will likely have been forgotten by the masses.
Making Amends
Of course, given his talents, there is likely to be plenty in the sport willing to work with the 41-year-old. He has won some of the richest races all over the globe, including the Arc twice, the Dubai Duty Free Stakes, the Breeders’ Cup Turf and the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, to name just a few.
The veteran has shown contrition as you would expect following the incident at Saint-Cloud, and recognized he has work to do to restore faith in his abilities. “Straight away I knew I made a mistake, and I’m terribly sad with what happened because I hate seeing stuff like this,” Soumillon admitted.
He apologized in person to Ryan and by phone to Captain Wierzba’s trainer, Ralph Beckett, and they have reportedly accepted his apologies. But will the sport of horse racing welcome Soumillon back with open arms in 2023?
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