Two-time Arc de Triomphe winning jockey Christophe Soumillon set a new European mark for winners in a calendar year with 306. The 36-year-old Belgian-born France-based star achieved both his goals this year of winning a ninth French jockeys title and breaking Pierre-Charles Boudot's record of 300 winners set in 2016. Soumillon rode almost daily riding in 1,635 races -- a distance of over 3,000 kilometres -- on 965 different horses. "I have maintained a crazy rhythm," Soumillon told AFP. Soumillon, who is married to a former Miss France, said it was simple to nominate which victory meant the most to him. "The 301st which I won at the Lyon La Soie racecourse (on December 16th) because all my fmaily and friends were there to share my joy in what was a crazy atmosphere."

Source: AFP