God. Talk about a kick in the teeth. Poor Kieran Shoemark just can't catch a break these days, can he?
The racing world's been buzzing since yesterday when news broke that Ryan Moore - arguably the most gifted jockey on the planet right now - has pinched the plum ride on Dancing Gemini for Saturday's Group 1 Lockinge at Newbury. That's a £225,000 race, by the way. Not exactly small change.
When it rains, it absolutely pours
This latest blow comes after what can only be described as Shoemark's week from absolute hell. First, he got the boot as the Gosdens' number one rider (still can't believe that happened). Then - and this one still makes my blood boil - he had that epic French 1000 Guineas victory on Shes Perfect snatched away after one of teh most controversial stewards' enquiries I've seen in 15 years covering racing.
I was there at Longchamp. The atmosphere turned toxic. "Cheat! Cheat!" echoing around the winner's enclosure as Zarigana's connections celebrated. Meanwhile, Shes Perfect's owners watched £150,000 disappear in the blink of an eye.
At least they're appealing the decision. Fat lot of good that'll do now.
Why Moore? Simple. He's a freak.
Look, I get it. When Ryan Moore becomes available, you snap him up. The man's been riding like he's possessed lately. That masterclass on Mount Kilimanjaro at Chester? My colleague bet me £50 he couldn't thread that needle. I'm still waiting for him to pay up.
And then there was that French 2000 Guineas ride on Henri Matisse... coming from the clouds like some sort of racing deity. The French punters around me were literally speechless. One guy just kept shaking his head for about five minutes straight.
Dancing Gemini's connections had to make The Call
Roger Teal (who I've known since back in 2018 when he was making waves with Tip Two Win) didn't sound thrilled about making the switch. Speaking on the Nick Luck podcast, you could hear the conflict in his voice.
"It's been a tough decision," Teal admitted. "We've spoken for an hour every day making this decision."
Translation: awkward conversations all round.
The situation's especially messy because Shoemark rode Dancing Gemini to victory in March's Doncaster Mile, while Rossa Ryan was in the saddle for that eye-catching romp at Sandown last month. Now neither gets the gig.
The brutal reality of racing's musical chairs
Teal put it bluntly: "Ryan Moore is Ryan Moore at the end of the day and we have to give ourselves the best chance."
Hard to argue with that logic. When you've got a legitimate Group 1 contender and the opportunity to book arguably the world's best jockey... what would you do?
Still feels rough though.
I texted a trainer friend (who shall remain nameless) about the situation. His response: "That's racing. Brutal but necessary. Would do the same myself."
What next for Shoemark?
This is where things get interesting. Shoemark's resilience has been tested before - his comeback from addiction issues in 2018-19 showed incredible character. But this recent string of professional blows would test anyone's resolve.
I ran into his agent at Ascot last week (while spending way too much on overpriced champagne, as one does). He seemed confident that a big stable would snap Kieran up soon. "Talent like that doesn't stay on the sidelines long," he insisted.
We'll see.
Racing has a funny way of creating redemption stories when you least expect them. Remember when everyone wrote off Frankie after he lost the Godolphin job? Look how that turned out.
For now though, it's Moore who'll be aboard Dancing Gemini on Saturday, looking to add another Group 1 to his ridiculous collection. Adn you wouldn't bet against him, would you?
The Lockinge picture just got more interesting
With Moore now confirmed, the betting markets have already reacted. Dancing Gemini's price has shortened overnight.
Funny how the mere presence of one man can shift thousands of pounds in the markets. That's the Moore effect for you.
Saturday can't come soon enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can i learn to read race cards?
Reading a racecard is crucial for understanding the key information about a race and the horses running in it. A racecard usually lists information such as the horse’s name, age and weight, along with the trainer, jockey and form figures that show past performance. Understanding this information can help you make better betting decisions by allowing you to gauge the chances of each horse. Many racecourses and betting services offer guides to reading racecards as part of their customer service.
How do racehorses get bred for racing and how are they selected?
Racehorses are usually bred with the specific intention of excelling on the racetrack. Breeders look for sires or dams that have proven racing pedigrees. They want to breed offspring with the best qualities of speed, endurance and temperament. Thoroughbreds dominate racing in the UK and their bloodlines have been carefully documented. Prospective racehorses often go through a selection process that includes pedigree analysis, physical conformation assessments, and performance in training before they begin their racing careers.
What are some of the most prestigious events for horse racing in the UK.
The United Kingdom hosts a number of acclaimed horse races that draw audiences from around the world. The Epsom Derby is the most prestigious event, followed by the Grand National, Aintree's Grand National, and Royal Ascot. These events have a rich heritage and offer a chance to see the finest in equine performance.
How does handicapping in UK horse racing work?
In UK race horse racing, handicapping is used to give all horses an equal chance of success. Essentially, horses are assigned different weights to carry during the race based on their past performances. Better horses carry heavier weights to level the playing field against horses with lesser past performances. In the UK, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) is responsible for handicapping. Their team of handicappers updates ratings regularly after races.
What is the role a steward plays in horse racing
Stewards play a vital role in ensuring that horse racing events are conducted fairly and in accordance with the rules of racing. They oversee the conduct of jockeys trainers and other racing staff, monitor the races for rule violations, and hold investigations into any incidents. The stewards can also impose sanctions, such as suspensions or fines, if rules are broken.
What types of horse racing are there in the UK and what is their history?
There are several types of horse race in the UK. These include Flat racing, National Hunt racing (or jump racing), and other races. Flat racing, which does not involve obstacles, is held on level tracks ranging from 5 furlongs to over 2 miles. National Hunt racing is a form of horse racing that emphasizes the speed of the horses and their ability to jump. Races such as steeplechases or hurdles are characterized by a variety of obstacles. Within these two broad categories, there are also variations such as handicaps, maidens, and conditions races, each with specific entry criteria and rules.
Statistics
- The annual Cheltenham Festival has an economic impact of over £100 million for the local Gloucestershire economy.
- In the UK, more than 14,000 people are employed directly in the horse racing industry.
- The Royal Ascot, held annually in June, draws crowds of 300,000 over its five-day meeting.
- British horse racing generates over £350 million in annual tax revenues for the UK government.
- The Grand National at Aintree boasts a prize fund of around £1 million, making it the most valuable jump race in Europe.
- Approximately 6 million people attend horse racing events in the UK each year, making it the second most popular spectator sport in the country.
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How To
How to choose a winning horse in UK racing
The form of a horse is important to consider when choosing a winner. It includes past performances, race distances, surfaces, and the success records of the jockeys and trainers. Examine the horses’ recent results, paying particular attention to those that have consistently finished in the first three. Consider the horse's suitability for the race distance and whether it has performed well under similar track conditions. Check the win and place statistics for both the jockey and trainer to assess their track record. It is not possible to choose a winning selection with certainty, but thorough research can help you increase your chances.
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