🔥 Christophe Soumillon, exasperated by the “awake” horse culture – refuses to celebrate the month of pride, saying that he is “has no place in sport and does not deserve to be celebrated”
An earthquake once again shakes up the muffled world of horse racing, and this time, it is Christophe Soumillon, one of the most emblematic figures of the European Turf, which is at the heart. Known for its outspokenness and its often polemical positions, the Belgian jockey caused a real uproar by publicly refusing to celebrate the month of pride, going so far as to declare that “this has no place in sport and does not deserve to be celebrated”. A statement that deeply divides racing enthusiasts and relaunches a burning debate: should we mix social and identity struggles with the world of sport, in particular that of horse racing?
It was after an interview with a British specialized media that the declaration leaked. Asked about the recent initiatives of European racetracks to hoist the rainbow flag or organize special days to celebrate diversity and inclusion, Soumillon has not mince his words. “I respect everyone in their private life, but sport must remain sport. I do not see why we should politicize what, at the base, is a pure competition, between horses, jockeys and coaches. The rest, frankly, has no place here. »»
In a few hours, his remarks went around social networks, triggering a wave of contrasting reactions. While part of the horse community defends Soumillon, welcoming the courage of a man who dares to oppose the dominant current, others denounce an “archaic” and “disrespectful” position towards thousands of fans, employees and even LGBTQ+ jockeys who actively participate in bringing this sport to life. The International Federation of Horse Riders (IFHA) has so far issued no official comments, but several influential figures, notably in Great Britain, have already expressed themselves publicly to condemn the words of the Belgian jockey.
The timing of this declaration adds oil to the fire. While the Royal Ascot is in full swing, and the whole world has its eyes turned towards the performance of the biggest jockeys, Soumillon chooses this moment to throw a pavement in the pond. Some observers see it as a skilful media blow, intended to be talked about in a period when the spotlights are on the slopes. Others believe that it is an uncontrolled slippage, which could target the image of a champion already controversial in the past for other controversies.
It should be remembered that Christophe Soumillon is not at his first shock media outing. In 2022, he had already received a suspension following a dangerous maneuver in the race which had caused a stir. This time, it is not his saddle actions that are pointed out, but his personal convictions, exposed brutally, without filter. In an increasingly polarized social climate, these words resonate as an act of challenge launched not only to sports institutions, but also to an important part of the public.
The question now is simple: will this new controversy affect the career of Christophe Soumillon? Will his partners, owners and coaches continue to trust him or prefer to distance themselves to avoid being trained in a media and social turmoil? One thing is certain: the Belgian jockey has not finished talking about him. And in this explosive mixture between sport, personal convictions and changing society, Christophe Soumillon has just triggered a storm that nobody knows how far it goes.
