🔥 “He wanted to quit the race!”:: Christophe Soumillon’s secret anger after Wayne Lordan’s controversial Epsom Derby victory

It’s a bombshell that’s rocking the horse racing world today. While fans are still reeling from Wayne Lordan’s unexpected victory in the 2025 Epsom Derby, a persistent rumor is swirling behind the scenes: Christophe Soumillon has threatened to quit racing altogether. A tense scene reportedly erupted in the privacy of the paddock, away from the cameras, but some witnesses are already beginning to reveal the details.

Wayne Lordan, the bookmakers’ outsider, won the main race at Epsom this weekend in a superb finish. A performance few had predicted, especially not seasoned jockeys who saw it as a series of blatant irregularities. Christophe Soumillon, a Group 1 winner, reportedly made no secret of his fury upon learning certain details of the opposing team’s preparation. According to several indiscretions relayed on social media by stable insiders, the Belgian jockey is quoted as saying: “If it continues like this, I’m leaving the scene.” These words echo the frustration that has been building up in the peloton over the past few months.

The unusual behavior of several favorites fueled the unusual behavior of several favorites. Inexplicable slowdowns, unorthodox trajectories… for many, this surprise victory was an anomaly in such a prestigious derby. Although Christophe Soumillon has always maintained a professional and measured public image, those who know him well know that the champion has never minced words when it comes to sporting fairness.

But why the anger? For informed observers, this isn’t simply a bitter defeat. Several sources close to the scene speak of backroom offers, of instructions given to certain competitors to give the foreigner a chance. Wild rumors are circulating, even mentioning massive bets placed at the last minute on Lordan’s horse. For the moment, no formal evidence has been revealed, but the tension is palpable, and the shadow of scandal hangs over one of the most prestigious races on the calendar.

The British Horse Federation immediately responded with a terse statement, assuring that “all breeds are monitored by a strict control system” and that no irregularities have been officially detected. But in the paddocks, the atmosphere is quite different. Between the muted stares and the annoyed murmurs, it’s clear that the pill is not swallowed by some of the circuit’s star jockeys.

Christophe Soumillon, for his part, has yet to make an official statement, but his entourage reveals a genuine weariness in the face of what they consider to be recurring abuses. Some even go so far as to claim that the jockey is seriously considering boycotting certain major meetings if no clarification is provided by the governing bodies.

On social media, fans are divided. While some welcome Wayne Lordan’s unexpected feat, others demand a transparent explanation, calling it an organized scandal. The hashtag #epsomgate is already starting to circulate, proof that this affair is now beyond the purely sporting sphere.