Christophe Soumillon will be reunited with Criterium de Saint-Cloud winner Pierre Bonnard as he looks to make it fifth time lucky in the Betfred Epsom Derby.
The Belgian has rode in the Derby on four occasions, beginning with a 12th aboard Broche in 2000. He was given the leg up on long-shot Lazy Griff last season, finishing an excellent second to Lambourn.
He bids to go one better here, and is two from two on Camelot colt Pierre Bonnard. While the Aidan O’Brien trained inmate hasn’t won this season, he’s shaped as if this test will suit and is bred for the trip.
Speaking to the Press Association, via At The Races, Soumillon said: “For me he is a great horse and the twice I rode him he gave me a great feeling.
“I know you are not truly able to know if a horse is really going to enjoy the track at Epsom. But the way he galloped last year, I thought he would be great for the race this season.
“I hope we get some more rain as that will be a nice help for him. He enjoys the soft ground and won on heavy in Saint-Cloud – any rain will be good for him.”
“I’m sure he is going to be 100% for the race” – Christophe Soumillon
Soumillon has enjoyed some fine days in the Coolmore silks, particularly in the absence of Ryan Moore late last season. He landed the Juvenile Turf on Gstaad and the Prix Jean-Luc Lagadere and Criterium on Puerto Rico. Precise took the Fillies Mile, and Delacroix landed the Irish Champion Stakes.
He’s already aided in the Classic glory for Coolmore this season, finishing second in the French Derby with Hawk Mountain. However, he’s not here to play second fiddle this time. He believes Pierre Bonnard has a big chance to land the coveted prize as he continued: “Pierre Bonnard’s first two runs this season have not been the same as what he showed as a two-year-old. But I’m sure he is going to be 100 percent for the race. I know Aidan will bring his horses on top form for the big one.
“It’s a great privilege to ride for such an amazing team. There is always some pressure but it is a good pressure. You know you are riding amazing horses and there is no space for mistakes. You have to do your best every time to ensure they get the best results possible.
“Winning for them is incredible and I’m always happy and enjoy it when Aidan asks me to ride for his team because the horses are always at the top of the game.”
Further rain will be welcome for Pierre Bonnard, who has been slowly building back up to form this season.