Aga Khan swoops for Lemaire

Christophe Lemaire will next year replace Christophe Soumillon as the Aga Khan's retained jockey in France.

A statement posted on www.agakhanstuds.com read: "Christophe Lemaire has proved himself at the highest level of his profession over recent years, following his Group One-winning associations with Divine Proportions, Pride, Natagora and most recently, Elusive Wave, Le Havre and Stacelita."

Lemaire has recently signed a one-year contract with owners the Niarchos family, who will have priority of his services over the Aga Khan.

The statement continued: "The Aga Khan Studs are looking forward to starting an association with Christophe Lemaire next year and believe this arrangement will work for them and the Niarchos family."

Soumillon will be relieved of his duties at the end of the season following reported comments made about trainer Andre Fabre.

The three-time French champion jockey has been retained by the Aga Khan for the last eight years.