Soumillon sacked!

The big news from France is that the Aga Khan has sacked his long-time stable jockey Christophe Soumillon. The Belgian-born rider has been first jockey for France´s biggest owner-breeder for the past 8 years, during which time he was champion jockey 3 times and also won the "Arc" twice, on Dalakhani and Zarkava, for the Aga Khan. No reasons have been given for the split, which was put down to "personality" clashes. Soumillon will continue to ride for the Aga Khan until the end of 2009. Today he has several rides on a low-level card at Deauville. The only German-trained runner today is Manaba (Werner Baltromei/ Johan Victoire) who faces a stiff task under top-weight in the tiercé handicap over 2000 metrs at 14.25.