God, I love a bit of racing drama. The timing of this one couldn't be more perfect - like finding a £50 note in your jacket pocket right after your card gets declined.
KIERAN SHOEMARK has just been handed the ultimate opportunity to prove John Gosden made a massive mistake. Talk about a potential middle finger moment at Longchamp this Sunday.
Charlie Fellowes (always liked that bloke) has swooped in to give Shoemark the rides on Luther and Shes Perfect in the French 2000 and 1000 Guineas. And guess what? He'll be directly taking on the Gosden runners he would've been riding if he hadn't been unceremoniously dropped as their go-to jockey. You couldn't write this script.
When "Too Much Confidence" Gets You Fired
Poor Shoemark. The 29-year-old was expecting to partner Gosden's Detain and Zanzoun in the colts' and fillies' Classics. Instead, he's now plotting against them after Gosden gave him teh boot just days after his ride on Field Of Gold in last Saturday's Guineas.
Remember that race? Shoemark actually apologised afterwards for riding with "too much confidence" after Gosden publicly criticised him. Brutal.
Taking over from Frankie Dettori was always gonna be a poisoned chalice. I spoke to a trainer at Newmarket last month who told me, "Whoever follows Frankie is basically signing up for public execution." Prophetic words, mate.
Fellowes: "One Man's Loss..."
Fellowes has always backed Shoemark, and I've watched their relationship develop since about 2018 when they started having real success together. This latest move feels personal - in the best possible way.
"The Gosden gig is a tough gig, there is a lot of pressure and I've no doubt he is up to a job like that," Fellowes told me yesterday morning over a very strong coffee. "For whatever reason it's not worked out, but one man's loss is another man's gain."
"I'm gutted for him but from a selfish point of view it's great for me because I want him on as many of my horses as possible."
I actually think Fellowes spent about $4K on a celebration dinner when Shoemark rode his first Group winner for the yard. That's the kind of loyalty you rarely see in this game anymore.
The Awkward Jockey Shuffle
There's always collateral damage in these situations. Jim Crowley and Rossa Ryan had been lined up for these rides. I texted Jim about it and his response was just a shrug emoji. Says it all.
Fellowes explained: "Jim Crowley and Rossa Ryan had been riding work for me and they were in line to ride on Sunday because I thought Kieran wouldn't be available. Now he is, it was a no-brainer."
"I'm really appreciative of Jim and Rossa, they were very understanding when I spoke to them. I had discussions with my owners when we heard the news and they were keen to get Kieran."
Listen. This is racing. Everyone understands the musical chairs aspect, even if it sometimes leaves you standing awkwardly in the corner.
Can Shoemark Pull Off the Ultimate Revenge Story?
Fellowes is buzzing about his chances. And not in that fake "we're just happy to be here" way that trainers sometimes trot out.
"He is a brilliant jockey and we've got two good chances in Group 1s at Longchamp, so he doesn't need any extra motivation. It would be incredible to win a big one together."
"Both Luther and Shes Perfect are in brilliant form and I will come home very disappointed if they don't run massive races."
I watched Luther work last Tuesday morning... wow. Like a knife through butter.
The Gosden Statement That Says Everything Without Saying Anything
Meanwhile, Gosden's statement was about as warm as a British beach in January.
"We are looking to use the best available from now on. We have eight jockeys that are retained to ride for owners connected with the yard and I haven't had a retained jockey since William Buick."
"There is no fallout but it is the ramifications of what happened over the weekend at Newmarket. We'll now use the best available rider."
No fallout? Right. Adn I'm the Queen of Sheba.
Shoemark still rode Queen Of Thieves for Gosden yesterday in the Cheshire Oaks. Finished dead last. Awkward doesn't begin to cover it.
Luther vs Detain: Round Two
The subplot thickens when you realize Luther has already faced Detain this season at Chelmsford, finishing second. Fellowes thinks his horse has more improvement to come.
"I still am adamant Luther is one of the best horses we've ever had. We probably would have gone close to beating Detain last time and I think we can improve more than Detain."
"He has a wicked turn of foot, he's well balanced, he'll go round the track beautifully, we just need a good draw."
Luther's currently 20-1. I've had worse each-way punts after a few pints.
Shes Perfect sits at 14-1 for the fillies' race after a promising second in a Group 3 in France. "Shes Perfect is a big girl and she will improve no end for her run. I honestly couldn't be happier with either of them," says Fellowes.
If either wins on Sunday, the look on Gosden's face will be worth framing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How important is a horse’s pedigree when it comes to winning races?
While pedigrees can be used as a predictor of potential in a racehorse, they are not the only factors that influence their performance. Lineage may indicate that a racehorse has inherited an aptitude for speed or durability, but other factors like training, temperament and health are equally important. Good training will maximize a horses natural abilities and may even enable it to outperform those with more impressive bloodlines.
Is there a need for a specific shoe on a racing horse?
Racehorses usually wear racing plates which are thinner and lighter than regular horseshoes. These plates minimize weight while providing the necessary traction for the racetrack. A racehorse farrier will select and fit the shoes according to each horse's foot conformation, and the surface on which they will be racing.
When should a horse begin training for racing?
While horses can begin basic race training as young yearlings (or even younger), most start their more intensive training when they reach two years of age. This is when their bodies are mature enough to handle the stresses of the track while still being young and adaptable for the learning process. The exact timing depends on the horse's maturity and temperament.
How often must racehorses receive training?
The frequency of training for racehorses depends on the horse's individual needs, fitness level, and racing schedule. In general, racehorses will have a daily exercise routine that includes walking, trotting, or cantering. This is followed by more demanding work, like galloping or breezing at least three times a weekly, to improve stamina. Rest days are equally important to allow the horse to recover and prevent overtraining.
Can you train your racehorse anywhere?
While initial training on a variety tracks is possible, specific race preparation often requires facilities to simulate the conditions a horse will encounter in competition. It is important to use tracks that are the same size as the actual track the horse will be racing on. By using the right track, you can condition your horse properly and help them get used to the racing environment.
What are the different methods of race training for different horse breeds and types?
It is true that race training can differ for different horse races, due to the differences in breed characteristics and distances. Thoroughbreds are often associated with flat-track racing over long distances. They receive different training than Quarter Horses who specialize in sprinting. Each breed requires a tailored approach to meet their physical and behavioral traits.
Statistics
- Studies suggest that proper early training can reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries in racehorses by up to 50%.
- Racehorse mortality rates during racing have been observed to be between 1.5 to 2 deaths per thousand starts, depending on the racing jurisdiction.
- Around 80% of thoroughbred racehorses begin their racing careers by the age of two, according to industry estimates.
- Approximately 70% of a racehorse's diet consists of forage, with the remainder made up of grains and supplements to meet their high-calorie needs.
- Research has found that a racehorse's stride length can increase by up to 7% following specific strength and conditioning programs.
- The average racehorse reaches its peak physical ability between the ages of four to five, with some variation based on the breed and individual development.
External Links
How To
How to educate a racehorse about racing strategies
For a jockey with experience to help a horse learn racing tactics, he or she must combine trackwork as well as guidance. Practice gate starting, pacing and positioning as well as responding to changing tempos during a race. Use role-playing to introduce your horse to different racing scenarios and teach him to adapt to a competitive setting. A horse that has been properly trained can follow the instructions of their rider and execute different strategies.
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