CHRISTOPHE SOUMILLON has dramatically lost his retainer to ride the Aga Khan-owned horses in France after "human relations became difficult", according to a statement from the owner.
The jockey, who has ridden for the Aga Khan for eight years, will not have his contract renewed for 2010 but will continue to ride for the owner for the rest of the 2009 Flat season.
A statement from the Aga Khan Studs read: "Christophe Soumillon will not be retained to ride the Aga Khan-owned horses in France after the 2009 Flat racing season. After eight years under contract as the first rider in France, it has been decided as human relations have become difficult and after mutual agreement, that his contract will not be renewed for 2010.
"This separation has been agreed on amicable terms and Christophe Soumillon will ride out his contract for the rest of the 2009 season, and he could well be retained in the future to ride Aga Khan horses.
"The Aga Khan Studs will make public their future riding arrangements when they have been finalised."
Soumillon, three-time champion jockey in France and third in this year's championship with 88 winners, is no stranger to controversy. He was criticised for his celebration after winning the 2006 King George aboard Hurricane Run when he pointed a finger at his backside, and then licked it, right in front of the grandstand. He was also involved in an altercation with Jamie Spencer in Hong Kong in 2003.
Soumillon has won a host of big races for the Aga Khan, including four Group 1 victories on Dalakhani, the highlight being the Arc in 2003. He also rode Zarkava to five Group 1 successes, culminating in another Arc victory last season.
Soumillon's major victories in Britain have been in the Coronation Cup on Shirocco (2006) and in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes on Hurricane Run in the same year. Both winners were trained by Andre Fabre.
