Why was Christophe Soumillon banned? Royal Ascot stewards cite move that helped Gstaad (Image via Getty)Royal Ascot was hit by controversy on the opening day after jockey Christophe Soumillon received an eight-day ban for a ride that stewards believed helped stablemate Gstaad in the St James’s Palace Stakes. Ryan Moore was also suspended for three days for careless riding earlier in the race. The incident quickly sparked questions about possible team tactics from Aidan O’Brien’s Ballydoyle stable, but the trainer strongly rejected those claims after the race.Why Christophe Soumillon was banned after the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal AscotSoumillon was riding Puerto Rico, while Ryan Moore was aboard fellow Aidan O’Brien-trained runner Gstaad. As the field entered the home straight, Soumillon moved Puerto Rico away from the inside rail. The move opened up a clear path on the rail for Gstaad, who had been trapped behind runners.Stewards reviewed footage of the incident and later spoke with Soumillon, Moore, David Egan and O’Brien. In their official report, they concluded that Soumillon had ridden in a way that was intended to benefit another horse from the same stable.The report stated: “Soumillon was suspended for eight days for riding his mount in such a way that intended to give an advantage to another horse from the same stable, in that he moved his mount away from the rail thereby ensuring a clear run for GSTAAD on his inside.”The stewards also noted that the manoeuvre caused minor interference to Power Blue, ridden by David Egan. Despite the controversy, favourite Bow Echo still managed to win the race under Billy Loughnane. Gstaad finished second, while Puerto Rico ended the race last of the six runners.Aidan O’Brien rejects team tactics claims as Ryan Moore also receives suspensionSpeaking after the inquiry, O’Brien insisted no instructions had been given to either jockey to help one horse over another. He said: “The lads (Moore and Soumillon) are the ones who made the decision. Rules are rules and the stewards have their job to do, that’s the way it is.”O’Brien added: “Our instructions are very clear after that, it’s simple stuff. I don’t know what happened, I saw the race like everyone else.” He also dismissed suggestions that Ballydoyle had used team tactics.“There is no doubt (team tactics weren’t used). I always say when we put horses in a race it’s to ensure an even pace for everybody,” O’Brien said. Moore’s separate three-day suspension came after stewards ruled that he allowed Gstaad to drift left shortly after the start, causing crowding among several runners. While that penalty attracted attention, it was Soumillon’s ban that became the main talking point from the race.