Aga Khan's loss of Soumillon may turn out to be Hong Kong's gain

Hong Kong might be the beneficiary of a surprise split yesterday between charismatic Belgian jockey Christophe Soumillon and his retainer, the Aga Khan.

The parting of the rider and one of the world's leading owners was announced in a statement from Aga Khan Studs.

'Christophe Soumillon will not be retained to ride the Aga Khan-owned horses in France after the 2009 flat racing season,' the statement said.

'After eight years under contract as the first rider in France, it has been decided, as human relations have become difficult and after mutual agreement, that his contract will not be renewed for 2010.'

Soumillon (pictured) has been a perennial visitor to Hong Kong during Europe's winter, but the split might allow him more time here.

Jockey Club sources said yesterday Soumillon's tremendous popularity with the Hong Kong public would ensure any application would be favourably considered, although he is understood to have a licence in Japan over the coming months.