Christophe Soumillon set a French record in March 2020 by securing his 3,315th career victory, surpassing the total previously held by Yves Saint-Martin. A Belgian native who transitioned to France at age fifteen, Soumillon established himself as a dominant presence in flat racing, securing his first champion jockey title in 2003 and accumulating ten such honors by 2018.
Early Development and Training
Born on 4 June 1981 in Schaerbeek, Belgium, Soumillon entered the equestrian world through his father, the jump jockey Jean-Marc Soumillon. After gaining initial experience in pony racing, he moved to France to attend a racing school in Chantilly. There, he became an apprentice to trainer Cédric Boutin. His progression in the sport was rapid; by eighteen, he achieved his first Group race success riding Berine's Son for trainer André Fabre in the 2000 Prix de Fontainebleau.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Partnership with the Aga Khan
In 2002, Soumillon became the principal jockey for the Aga Khan's racing operation. This primary association lasted until 2009 and resumed between 2014 and 2022. The collaboration proved highly successful, yielding victories in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe with Dalakhani in 2003 and later with the unbeaten filly Zarkava in 2008. The relationship also saw international success, including a win at Royal Ascot in 2015 when Ervedya claimed the Coronation Stakes.
Diversified Competitions and Professional Setbacks
While recognized primarily for flat racing, Soumillon demonstrated versatility by winning the 2010 Grande Course de Haies d'Auteuil, the French Champion Hurdle, aboard Mandali. His career faced a significant interruption on 30 September 2022, when he was handed a 60-day ban for causing interference by elbowing Rossa Ryan during the Prix Thomas Bryon at Saint-Cloud. This incident resulted in the immediate termination of his role as the Aga Khan's retained rider.
Continued International Performance
Soumillon remains active in high-level competition. In July 2024, he secured a victory in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot riding the 25/1 outsider Goliath. He later placed second in the 2025 Epsom Derby aboard the syndicate-owned horse Lazy Griff. In 2023, he expanded his involvement in the sport's future by founding the Soumillon International Pony Academy in Deauville.
Fast facts
- Born: 4 June 1981, Schaerbeek, Belgium
- Primary Occupation: Jockey
- French Champion Jockey Titles: 10
- Spouse: Sophie Thalmann
- Career Milestone: 3,315th win in France (March 2020)
- Pony Academy Founder: 2023, Deauville
- Citizenship: Belgium and France
Questions readers ask
Which major race did he win with Zarkava?
He won the 2008 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe riding the unbeaten filly Zarkava.
Why did he lose his contract with the Aga Khan in 2022?
He was dismissed after receiving a 60-day ban for elbowing another jockey, Rossa Ryan, during a race at Saint-Cloud.
.jpg)
