Soumillon thrilled to get Derby call for Pierre Bonnard - 'He won on heavy in Saint-Cloud'

Christophe Soumillon will have another chance to achieve his dream of winning the Betfred Derby having received the call-up from Aidan O’Brien to partner Pierre Bonnard at Epsom on Saturday.

It will be the sixth time the decorated Belgian has made the visit to England in his quest to conquer the famous Downs track and he went close to glory 12 months ago when chasing home O’Brien’s Lambourn aboard Charlie Johnston’s Lazy Griff.

This time around he will be on the Ballydoyle team sheet as he reunites with a horse he guided to two victories last term, including Group One glory in the Criterium de Saint-Cloud in October.

Soumillon told the Press Association: “For me he is a great horse and the twice I rode him he gave me a great feeling.

“I know you are not truly able to know if a horse is really going to enjoy the track at Epsom, but the way he galloped last year, I thought he would be great for the race this season.

“I hope we get some more rain as that will be a nice help for him, he enjoys the soft ground and won on heavy in Saint-Cloud – any rain will be good for him.”

Soumillon first struck up his association with Pierre Bonnard when deputising for the injured Ryan Moore as temporary Coolmore number one in the latter half of the 2025 season.

Having played his part in Ballydoyle’s French Derby one-two-three at Chantilly last Sunday when teaming up with runner-up Hawk Mountain his booking for the premier Classic only continues his fine association with both O’Brien and the sport’s leading owners.

And despite Pierre Bonnard being out of luck on the racetrack since their successful union last autumn, Soumillon is confident he is playing for the right team, certain the son of Camelot will arrive at Epsom at his very best.

He added: “Pierre Bonnard’s first two runs this season have not been the same as what he showed as a two-year-old but I’m sure he is going to be 100 per cent for the race and I know Aidan will bring his horses on top form for the big one.

“It’s a great privilege to ride for such an amazing team. There is always some pressure but it is a good pressure as you know you are riding amazing horses and there is no space for mistakes. You have to do your best every time to ensure they get the best results possible.

“Winning for them is incredible and I’m always happy and enjoy it when Aidan asks me to ride for his team because the horses are always at the top of the game.”