Christophe Soumillon has compensated Captain Wierzba’s connections for a wasted trip to France following the elbowing incident that cost the Belgian a 60-day ban – and his job with the Aga Khan.
Soumillon landed himself in hot water when he caused Rossa Ryan to be unseated from the Ralph Beckett-trained two-year-old five furlongs from the finish of the Group 3 Prix Thomas Bryon at Saint-Cloud two weeks ago.
Although Ryan was able to walk away from the fall unscathed, Soumillion – who apologised for his indiscretion – was hit with a lengthy suspension from the France Galop stewards before being sacked by the Aga Khan four days later.
But earlier Beckett revealed Soumillon had “kept his word” by refunding the cost of Captain Wierzba’s travel to Paris. It amounted to around £6,200.
“I don’t really want to comment, other than to say that by sending his money to cover Captain Wierzba’s expenses to Saint-Cloud, Christophe has kept his word,” said the Kimpton trainer.
“As far as I am concerned, that draws a line under the whole episode.”
Benoit de la Sayette will be crowned champion apprentice at Ascot on Saturday after establishing an unassailable lead over title rival Harry Davies.
Going into tonight's fixture at Chelmsford City, the 19-year-old, who returned to action in March after serving a six-month drugs ban, had a four-winner cushion over Davies, ensuring he could not be caught.
