Jockey Christophe Soumillon's contract as first rider to the Aga Khan has been extended a further two years to 2017, according to Racing Post, which also reports Alexis Badel has signed on as backup to Soumillon.
Soumillon, who was previously retained rider to the Aga Khan before taking a four-year hiatus beginning in 2009, enjoyed a successful year on the track for his boss, partnering the likes of triple Group 1 and Classic winner Ervedya (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}); G1 Dubai Sheema Classic winner Dolniya (Fr) (Azamour {Ire}); and G1 Prix Royal-Oak winner Vazirabad (Fr) (Manduro {Ger}).
Badel rode the Aga Khan's Candarliya (Fr) (Dalakhani {Ire}) to victory in the G3 Prix Minerve in August and Karaktar (Ire) (High Chaparral {Ire}) to win the Listed Prix Francois Mathet in March, and he also partnered Middleham Park Racing's Donjuan Triumphant (Ire) (Dream Ahead) to win the G2 Criterium de Maisons-Laffitte in October.
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