Christophe Soumillon banned for eight days after being ruled to have assisted stablemate Gstaad in messy St James’s Palace Stakes
Jockey Christophe Soumillon received an eight-day ban at Royal Ascot on Tuesday after stewards ruled he rode Puerto Rico to assist stablemate Gstaad in the Group 1 St James’s Palace Stakes. The ruling followed an inquiry into Soumillon’s ride, which impeded Power Blue and created a tactical advantage for Gstaad in the closing stages of the race.
Why was Christophe Soumillon banned at Royal Ascot?
Stewards determined that Soumillon deliberately moved Puerto Rico away from the rail after the home bend. This movement impeded the Amo Racing-owned outsider Power Blue, who finished fourth.
According to the stewards, this action created an opening on the inside for the second favorite, Gstaad. Gstaad is the first string from the Aidan O’Brien yard and a stablemate to Puerto Rico.
How did the St James’s Palace Stakes finish?
The race ended in a photo-finish between Bow Echo and Gstaad. Bow Echo, ridden by 20-year-old Billy Loughnane and trained by George Boughey, secured the victory.
Loughnane stated the first furlong was “crucial” and noted he was squeezed out early. He described Bow Echo as having a “fantastic turn of foot” and the determination to win despite the messy nature of the race.
What other penalties were issued in the race?
The Ballydoyle team faced a second suspension during the event. Jockey Ryan Moore received a three-day careless-riding ban.
Stewards found Moore failed to take sufficient corrective action after making contact with Talk Of New York and the winner, Bow Echo, while leaving the stalls.
What may happen next for the riders?
Soumillon and Moore will likely serve their respective eight-day and three-day bans. This could limit their availability for upcoming fixtures in the short term.
The stewards’ decision to review recordings of Soumillon, Moore, and David Egan suggests a strict adherence to riding protocols. Future inquiries into stablemate tactics may follow a similar evidentiary process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Christophe Soumillon’s suspension?
He was handed an eight-day ban.
Why was Ryan Moore penalized?
Moore received a three-day ban for careless riding after making contact with Bow Echo and Talk Of New York at the start.
Who won the Group 1 St James’s Palace Stakes?
Bow Echo won the race by a short head for rider Billy Loughnane and trainer George Boughey.
How do tactical decisions by stablemates impact the fairness of Group 1 racing?