Good ending to Soumillon switch

CHRISTOPHE Soumillon expressed sympathy for the jocked-off Olivier Doleuze after partnering Good Ba Ba to an impressive success in the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Mile at Sha Tin yesterday.

Good Ba Ba, trained by Andreas Schutz, broke the track record as he romped to back-to-back victories in the Group One contest. After admitting he was pleased to take the ride on the six-year-old at the request of owner John Yuen Si Kit, Soumillon revealed his true feelings.

“It is not very easy to take a horse off a friend but I spoke to Andreas before the race and it was the right option,” said Soumillon. “I was happy to accept the ride but I felt sorry for Olivier.