Soumillon severs Dabirsim ties

CHRISTOPHE Soumillon has ended his association with Dabirsim following the colt's defeat in the French 2000 Guineas at Longchamp on Sunday.

The Belgian jockey said he lacked "chemistry" with the Christophe Ferland-trained three-year-old, who won two Group Ones for Frankie Dettori in an unbeaten juvenile campaign.

Soumillon has twice been out of luck aboard Dabirsim, who finished sixth in the French Classic at the weekend after he encountered desperate trouble in running.

"I called the owner Simon Springer on Tuesday morning and I explained to him that I would prefer not to ride Dabirsim anymore," said Soumillon.

"For some reason which I can't explain, I don't seem to get on with the colt.

"Regarding the horse and his connections, I think it's best for me to step aside and hope that the next jockey can help him rediscover his sparkle."

Ferland is in no rush to make any firm decisions about who will ride Dabirsim on his next racecourse appearance. He said: "We have some time to make a decision."

The French trainer admits his charge is not 100pc after his luckless weekend run, and is keen to give him time before deciding on his next target - which could still be the July Cup at Newmarket.