sportskeeda
JOHN GOSDEN has decided to part ways with jockey Kieran Shoemark after the close finish of Field Of Gold in Saturday’s 2000 Guineas.
The six-time champion trainer consulted with his co-trainer son Thady earlier this week, and they mutually agreed to relieve the struggling rider of his role as the stable’s top jockey.
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Shoemark, 29, has endured considerable criticism since stepping in for Frankie Dettori at Clarehaven Stables.
The stable recorded a disappointing 2024 season, achieving its fewest winners since 2013, with many of Shoemark’s rides in critical races drawing skepticism.
While the Gosdens initially backed their jockey, backlash intensified following the narrow defeat of favorite Field Of Gold, which finished only half a length behind the eventual winner, Ruling Court.
Gosden noted post-race that the horse had been ‘too far back’ to mount a successful challenge.
This situation became the final straw for the Gosden-Shoemark partnership, as the stable now aims to secure the best available jockeys for their leading horses.
Thady Gosden mentioned on the Nick Luck Daily Podcast: “Following Saturday, John and I evaluated our position and determined that implementing a best available rider approach is the best path forward for the stable.”
“It’s still early in the season with plenty of time ahead, but we believe this decision serves the best interest of the stable, alongside our considerable number of retained riders already on board.”
When questioned about hoping for Shoemark to continue riding for the stable, he responded: “Yes. It’s a best available rider method, and we’ll assess how this unfolds throughout the year.”
Shoemark is scheduled to ride for the stable at Chester today, including aboard Queen Of Thieves in the Cheshire Oaks.
However, he will not be participating in the stable’s French 2000 and 1000 Guineas contenders, Detain and Zanzoun, at Longchamp this weekend.
Colin Keane will be taking the ride on Detain, while Christophe Soumillon will be on board Nell Gwyn Stakes winner Zanzoun in the fillies’ event.
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