There are few things more likely to polarise opinion than a jockey and there are few more polarising jockeys on the world stage than Christophe Soumillon, but Royal Ascot was united in acclaiming an outstanding Coronation Stakes winning ride on Ervedya by France's champion.
In between the Irish pair of Found and Lucida, the French winner was steered through the field by her Belgian-born rider to put her nose in front virtually on the line.
Rarely short of confidence, verging on the bumptious if you believe his critics, Soumillon’s outspokenness once cost him the prized job as the Aga Khan’s retained rider, but an even rarer ability to embrace big race pressure meant the link with the legendary owner was quickly re-established.
Top of her game
It paid off in spades with Ervedya who reversed juvenile form with Found to provide Soumillon with just a second Royal win but a first at Ascot as the last had been at York in 2005 when the home course was being rebuilt.
“I knew Aidan O’Brien’s filly would be at the top of her game today and I was lucky I got a gap in the middle,” he said. “Maybe that’s why I won: if I had come on the outside I’m not sure she would have quickened like she did.”
Kevin Manning had little choice but to go wide on Lucida who broke slowly from a wide draw and was always fighting a losing battle, while O’Brien was happy with Found.
“She’ll keep improving. The plan was always to have three runs, have a little rest and then step up in trip. I’d say that’s what we’ll do,” he said.
Breaking post-war record
Ireland’s champion trainer saddled his fifth winner of the week with Aloft in the Listed Queens Vase, a race that will be primarily remembered for Ryan Moore breaking the post-war Royal Ascot record with a ninth winner of the week.
The seamless ease with which the Englishman has moved into the job as Ballydoyle’s number one was indicated afterwards by the Coolmore Stud owners, including John Magnier.
“He is a very modest guy and no matter what anyone says he has a great sense of humour. He is good company as well as being a good jockey,” Magnier said.
