Christophe Soumillon gets eight-day riding ban after chaotic Ascot run

17 Jun 2026 • 3:21 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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Christophe Soumillon gets eight-day riding ban after chaotic Ascot run

  • Christophe Soumillon received an eight-day ban at Royal Ascot for his ride on Puerto Rico in the St James's Palace Stakes.
  • Stewards ruled that Soumillon rode Puerto Rico in a manner that assisted his stablemate Gstaad, who was the first string from the Aidan O'Brien yard.
  • The inquiry found that Soumillon deliberately moved Puerto Rico away from the rail, impeding Power Blue and creating an opening for Gstaad, giving his stablemate an advantage.
  • Ryan Moore, Gstaad's rider, also received a three-day careless riding ban in the same race for failing to take sufficient corrective action after making contact with other horses.
  • The St James's Palace Stakes was won by Bow Echo, ridden by Billy Loughnane, who maintained his unbeaten record by a short head over Gstaad in a photo finish.
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