Jockey Christophe Soumillon saw his eight-day ban from Royal Ascot reduced to five days following an appeal hearing. An independent panel found Soumillon's ride on Puerto Rico in the St James’s Palace Stakes did benefit stablemate Gstaad, but crucially, they were not satisfied he intended to do so.

The initial stewards' suspension stemmed from Soumillon moving Puerto Rico left off the bend, which officials deemed created a clear run for Gstaad, ridden by Ryan Moore. Soumillon argued he sought better ground and that Puerto Rico had a tendency to drift left, disputing any deliberate advantage for his stablemate.

The disciplinary panel acknowledged a breach of the rules due to the advantage gained by Gstaad but distinguished it from cases implying direct intent. They considered the sanction within the penalty table inappropriate without intent, ultimately opting for a reduced suspension. Soumillon's ride ultimately did not prevent Gstaad from finishing second.