Gosdens demote Shoemark following Field Of Gold defeat

John and Thady Gosden are set to adopt a ‘best available rider’ policy for the remainder of the season, with Kieran Shoemark no longer the Clarehaven number one.

Shoemark stepped into the shoes of Frankie Dettori at the beginning of the 2024 season and has found himself under increased scrutiny throughout his tenure in the hotseat, particularly after his ride on 2000 Guineas favourite Field Of Gold at the weekend.

Speaking on the Nick Luck Daily podcast, Thady Gosden said: “Naturally since Saturday, myself and John have gone through things together and decided the best policy going forward is to adopt a best available rider strategy.

“Of course, it is still very early in the season and there is plenty of time still to go, but we believe that is the best way for the stable to go to have the best available rider, alongside of course a different number of retained riders pre-existing in the yard.”

Shoemark is set to remain a member of the Newmarket operation and is scheduled to ride for the stable at Chester this week.

When asked if it was the intention to keep the 29-year-old on their team of jockeys, Gosden added: “Exactly, it’s of course a best available rider policy and we will see how that progresses as the year goes on.”