Jockey Christophe Soumillon claimed his first Breeders’ Cup success since Shirocco 20 years ago when steering Gstaad to an excellent victory in the Juvenile Turf at Del Mar on Friday evening.
Despite his wide draw in gate fourteen and sluggish beginning, Christophe Soumillon was able to produce Gstaad with a well-timed challenge coming round the final bend before the son of Starspangledbanner kicked clear in the straight to score for the master of Ballydoyle.
"My job is to ride horses in the moment," said Soumillon. "Unfortunately, he jumped a fraction slowly, but I was quite happy to see that after a few strides he was able to kick up and get closer.
"After the first corner I felt the pace was quite strong, so I didn't want to overcommit. I didn't want to turn too wide to, but he turned well and in the backstraight I just asked him to go forward, and he was travelling so easily, I was cruising the whole time.
"I was comfortable on him, and I knew he would probably win when I arrived at the last corner because he turned so well, he took a nice blow, and I was seeing everyone around me get to action. I knew it would be hard to come on my outside from where I was and when I asked him to quicken, he changed his lead really easily and I ended up winning hands and heels.
"I'm sure he should have won one of two more races this year but he's still quite immature, he was playing around with the pony at the start. He is getting more professional after each run though and travelling here is going to make him a good horse for next season."
On what it meant to ride his first Breeders' Cup winner for two decades, Soumillon said: "I'm very happy but I wish Aidan had asked me before this to ride a few for him! When you come and ride for such an amazing team, when you come with, three, four, five, six, etc horses and three or four winning chances, it's something that every jockey wishes to have in their life. It's coming late for me, but I still enjoy it like I was twenty."
Soumillon will not have long to reflect on his latest Group 1 success as he gears up to partner the likes of Bedtime Story and Minnie Hauk back at Del Mar tomorrow. The Belgian-born superstar will have to get down to 8st 7lb to take the ride on Arc runner-up Minnie Hauk in the Breeders' Cup Turf tomorrow but despite having an empty belly, Soumillon remains eager by the opportunity to gain redemption.
"This morning my breakfast was a bit lite and tough because I knew Precise wasn't going to run and she was by biggest chance of today. But I thought, let's be positive now, I knew Brussels would run a great race and we've finally won a Breeders' Cup race with Gstaad.
"I'm going to come back even stronger tomorrow because we have three good chances, including Minnie Hauk, who is the best filly I've ridden since Zarkava.
"I've still got a kilo to lose before Minnie Hauk tomorrow but it's ok because Gstaad gave me a good meal tonight!"
