Tag Archive for: Callum Shepherd

Shepherd hunting Group One gold in 2025

/in /by

Callum Shepherd wishes he could “bottle the feeling” of his greatest triumph to date aboard Isle Of Jura at Royal Ascot, as he strives for more moments to savour in 2025.

There was much delight for Shepherd in 2024 and after a season which also provided plenty of reminders about the perils of life as a jockey, he is raring to go with renewed ambition after returning to the saddle from injury recently.

It proved somewhat hard for the Brighton-born rider to shirk the limelight last year having excelled in the saddle, but he also found himself losing out in the annual pre-Derby jockey merry-go-round and successfully overturning an 18-day ban after feeling the wrath of the stewards in the autumn.

There were a few bumps and bruises along the way, too, but the 27-year-old rode the waves to post a career-best tally of winners and also find himself a man in demand when the TV cameras were rolling.

Callum Shepherd and George Scott have formed a fine partnership
Callum Shepherd and George Scott have formed a fine partnership (Mike Egerton/PA)

Simon and Ed Crisford and Harry Charlton are just two stables which came calling to acquire Shepherd’s services on key mounts during the summer, but central to his success was his burgeoning partnership with George Scott.

Isle Of Jura’s Hardwicke Stakes strike provided a Royal Ascot first for both the Newmarket-based trainer and jockey and cemented a relationship that also combined to plunder stakes contests with the likes of Seven Questions, Phantom Flight, Prydwen and Bay City Roller.

“It was a mad year, but one I look back at with a lot of satisfaction and fondness,” said Shepherd.

“In amongst what was a great year, there were some ups and downs for sure, but overall it was entirely a brilliant year.”

He went on: “Quality wise, last year was great and as well as Isle Of Jura, we had horses like Seven Questions, who won the Palace House. He was one of those horses who is just up to that level and it was really good to go and win a Group race with him.

“Prydwen was another George placed so well and for him to go over and win the German St Leger was great. These are horses that possibly, had they been in other hands, may not have done so well if they had gone a different route.

“They were bolstered by the big-hitters like Isle Of Jura and Bay City Roller, who proved himself an excellent prospect by what he did, and it was a year we largely got it right – and most importantly got it right when it mattered.”

The obvious standout in a scintillating summer came on the most regal stage of all when Isle Of Jura excelled in a Hardwicke Stakes stacked with top-class international talent.

Not only was the triumph vindication of Scott and Shepherd’s belief in their stable star, but an emotional success for the jockey only weeks after missing out on partnering Derby second Ambiente Friendly.

“For sure, Isle Of Jura winning at Royal Ascot was the highlight and it was the best day I’ve ever had in the saddle, it was just brilliant,” continued Shepherd.

Isle Of Jura winning at Royal Ascot
Isle Of Jura winning at Royal Ascot (David Davies/PA)

“It came not long after losing out on a high-profile ride and it was on the back of Isle Of Jura giving us a great winter in Bahrain.

“He ran well but probably a little bit workmanlike at Goodwood, and for him to go and run so well at Ascot that day was special. Horses like Goliath were behind him that day and it was a remarkable performance.

“The goodwill towards myself and George was really lovely and we got a great reception and it was one of those moments you wish you could bottle the feeling when crossing the line and coming back to the winner’s enclosure, it was really special.

“Unfortunately, he had his injury that kept him out for the rest of the season, but his recovery is going well and he is on target for the new season.”

Reflecting on the decision from connections to give Robert Havlin the leg-up on impressive Lingfield Derby Trial winner Ambiente Friendly for his Epsom Classic tilt, a pragmatic Shepherd is keen to put the episode behind him.

Callum Shepherd lost the ride on Ambiente Friendly
Callum Shepherd lost the ride on Ambiente Friendly (Steve Paston/PA)

“It felt like it was everything at the time, but looking back now, it has been and gone and it is what it is,” he explained.

“It’s not something I often think about now as it’s been and in the past. He’s an excellent horse and I really enjoyed getting to ride him, but he didn’t win a Derby, so it’s hard to look back at it with too much regret. In the end, maybe it wasn’t as big a deal as it seemed at the time.”

Shepherd also suffered his share of physical knocks, sporting bandages to hide battle scars when securing a memorable Ascot treble in the height of summer and having his quest for a first-ever century ended by a crushing fall at Kempton in October.

Jockey Callum Shepherd aboard Bay City Roller
Jockey Callum Shepherd aboard Bay City Roller (Mike Egerton/PA)

Fractures to two vertebrae and a collarbone sidelined Shepherd for the final three months of the year and left him stranded on 87 winners.

Shepherd said: “The most disappointing thing is I had nearly three months to ride 13 more winners to get to 100, which would have been pretty achievable, so it was disappointing not to get that done but hopefully I will do that this year.”

Reaching three figures is high up on the jockey’s wishlist for 2025, alongside a breakthrough Group One success, while there is optimism Bay City Roller could fulfil his Classic dream this term.

The son of New Bay excelled during his juvenile campaign, scooping the Champagne Stakes in the autumn, and is set to play a central role in both Shepherd and Scott’s early-season ambitions when returning with lofty targets in the spring.

“You never know and the plan is pretty open with him,” said Shepherd when asked about the colt’s Epsom claims.

“The French Guineas was of interest to George as an early-season target and if he was to look the right fit for the Derby, it is very much in the equation.

“He could very much be anything and he certainly looked like the type of horse to be better this year and we’re lucky to have him.

“Hopefully there will be more of the same and some big winners this year. It would be nice to get the 100 done and it would be nice to break the Group One duck. That would be top of the agenda and hopefully we have the right horses to give it a go.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Callum Shepherd successful in appeal against 18-day ban

/in /by

Callum Shepherd has successfully appealed against an 18-day ban imposed by the Kempton stewards last month.

Riding the David Simcock-trained Thorntonledale Max in a seven-furlong handicap, Shepherd was judged to have failed “to take all reasonable and permissible measures on a horse which would have finished outright first” after Flavour Maker forced a dead-heat on the line.

Shepherd “completely refuted” the allegation at the time, and contested that decision before the British Horseracing Authority’s independent panel on Tuesday morning.

During a lengthy hearing, Shepherd argued he had not stopped riding in the finish, but had lost his balance when using his whip for the final time and came up in the saddle in order to recover his rhythm, insisting his mount had lost “no momentum whatsoever” in the process.

He described it as “embarrassing to watch” and said he “looked a mess” but had continued to ride as he tried to regain his usual style.

“I look all the over the place, it looks bad and I would be the first to say it but it is unusual and completely unintended,” he said.

The panel agreed with Shepherd’s defence and quashed the penalty.

Panel chairperson HH James O’Mahony said: “Whether or not there was an admitted or in fact a mistake is open to argument.

“We accept the reality of life in sport and particularly in racing that things happen very fast and if every time a jockey made an error of judgement there was to be hearing about it, then hearings would go on every day and forever. So it is open to us to consider as we judge it the question of an acceptable explanation.

“We find on the balance of probabilities there was a loss of rhythm and an imbalance that had some causal connection with the appearance and the fact of Mr Shepherd rising as he did above the saddle in the closing strides, and we were able to say that on the most infinitesimal and minute observation of the footage any number of times, from all relevant angles and with close noting of specific times.

“We add that there was no apparent loss of momentum as far as the horse was concerned and finally we emphasise that this case is decided on its own facts and is in no way a precedent or a ruling on any matter of principle that may arise in future cases of this kind.

“The sanction is, of course, quashed.

“We add that in the time available to the stewards when they made their decision, they had nothing like the opportunity that we have had to examine the evidence in such detail.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Callum Shepherd appeals 18-day riding suspension

/in /by

The Professional Jockeys Association has lodged an appeal on behalf of Callum Shepherd regarding the jockey’s controversial 18-day suspension.

Shepherd was found to have failed “to take all reasonable and permissible measures on a horse which would have finished outright first” after dead-heating on board Thorntonledale Max at Kempton last week.

Riding the David Simcock-trained runner in a seven-furlong handicap, Shepherd burst through on the far rail and looked set for victory after forging ahead inside the final furlong.

However, Flavour Maker and Ray Dawson kept on gamely to grab a share of the spoils on the line. Shepherd questioned the judge’s decision to call a dead-heat, stating he felt the photo-finish print showed a gap between his mount and Flavour Maker, a suggestion which was subsequently dismissed by the British Horseracing Authority.

Even so, the jockey was still angered by claims that he had not ridden out Thorntonledale Max to the best of his ability.

He told the Nick Luck Daily Podcast at the time: “I just refute the allegation that I gave the horse anything but the best chance to win the race.

“Regardless of the photo, I’m pretty upset by that. It’s just insulting to riders to be accused of that and I will be taking action.”

Shepherd is currently set to be out of action from September 4-21 inclusive, a period which encompasses the St Leger meeting at Doncaster and the Ayr Gold Cup fixture.

A spokesperson for the BHA confirmed the appeal is against the ruling of Shepherd not riding his mount out for the best possible finish.



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Shepherd ‘completely refutes’ ruling of stewards at Kempton

/in /by

Callum Shepherd has questioned the judge’s decision to call a dead- heat in the last race at Kempton on Wednesday night – a verdict which resulted in an 18-day suspension for the rider.

Riding the David Simcock-trained Thorntonledale Max in the seven-furlong handicap, Shepherd was found to have failed “to take all reasonable and permissible measures on a horse which would have finished outright first” after Flavour Maker grabbed a share of the first prize on the line.

However, Shepherd has expressed his doubt about the dead-heat call and consequently the decision to impose a lengthy ban for his ride.

He told the Nick Luck Daily Podcast: “To my eyes and the eyes of everyone who has looked at it in detail, I think it shows a clear gap between the Roger Varian-trained horse (Flavour Maker) and the line. We’re very much on and through the line.

“It was 8.30pm, the last race, it was dark but all you have to do is put your phone on full brightness and I think it’s pretty apparent to everyone who looks that it might be a small margin, but there is a distinct gap and a margin in our favour.

“It’s one they have got wrong I feel.

“A dead-heat in any other circumstance would seem pretty inoffensive but it must be said in this specific case it’s very, very important to me, regardless of the accusation that I’d stopped riding, which I completely refute.

“The most straightforward process of dealing with it is to address the photo and I think it’s pretty clear an error has been made and we were the outright winner.”

Shepherd is currently set to be out of action from September 4-21 inclusive, a period which encompasses the St Leger meeting at Doncaster and the Ayr Gold Cup fixture.

Confirming his attention to appeal the ban, Shepherd added: “I just refute the allegation that I gave the horse anything but the best chance to win the race. Regardless of the photo, I’m pretty upset by that. It’s just insulting to riders to be accused of that and I will be taking action.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Shepherd looking to guide King’s Gambit to York Stakes glory

/in /by

Callum Shepherd’s fine summer form could continue on Saturday as he comes in for an enviable ride on King’s Gambit in the Sky Bet York Stakes.

The jockey has been consistently collecting valuable prizes since Isle Of Jura landed the Bahrain Triple Crown in February, with the same horse then turning that Middle Eastern form into Royal Ascot success in the Hardwicke Stakes.

Shepherd has carried the same Victorious Racing silks to several more significant wins this term, with Watch My Tracer, Seven Questions and Phantom Flight taking the Spring Cup Stakes, the Palace House and the Steventon Stakes respectively for trainer George Scott.

Simon and Ed Crisford’s Quddwah also provided the rider with a Group Two triumph in the Summer Mile as part of a recent Ascot treble, and he will bid for another title at the same level aboard King’s Gambit.

The colt is trained by Harry and Roger Charlton and has so far been the ride of William Buick, who will be required to head to Ascot instead at the weekend and therefore leaves the way clear for Shepherd to get the leg-up.

King's Gambit (second left) finishing second in the Hampton Court Stakes at Royal Ascot
King’s Gambit finishing second in the Hampton Court Stakes at Royal Ascot (David Davies/PA)

King’s Gambit was a convincing winner of the London Gold Cup on his seasonal debut and missed out by just three-quarters of a length in the Hampton Court Stakes at the Royal meeting.

“I’m really looking forward to the ride on King’s Gambit on Saturday, it’s a tight but very competitive field with the return of Passenger,” Shepherd said.

“We’re the three-year-old in the line-up but we’re coming into it on the back of two really good runs.

“He won the London Gold Cup very well, which is a race with an excellent roll of honour, then he was a very good second to Jayarebe at Ascot.

“He was drawn a little out and he didn’t have as kind a run round as the winner, he’s a horse that has got real Group potential and you could see him being very competitive on Saturday.”

Sir Michael Stoute's Passenger
Sir Michael Stoute’s Passenger (Tim Goode/PA)

A key threat is the aforementioned Passenger, Sir Michael Stoute’s lightly-raced four-year-old, who was third in the Dante last season before a failed Derby bid and then winning the Winter Hill Stakes at Windsor.

He looked to have returned this year in good form, landing the Huxley Stakes at Chester ahead of subsequent Wolferton Stakes winner Israr.

That run was in early May and the colt has not been seen since, as a cough scuppered his Ascot plans, but he now gets back to action over a course and distance he has shown a liking for before.

“He had a cough just at the wrong moment in his preparation for Ascot – now he is back at 100 per cent,” said Alan Cooper, racing manager to owners Flaxman Stables.

“He hasn’t run for quite a while and this is a good spot to get him back on the racecourse. He is progressing well. Michael and his team are happy with the horse. It’s a first step back.

“He has got a lot of class – I think that was evident by Michael’s programme last year, giving him a shot at Epsom. Hopefully, he will reward everybody’s hopes for him on Saturday and then, all being well, we’ll be back at York for the Juddmonte.”

Owen Burrows’ Alflaila won this race first time out last season and though injury then prevented a full campaign, he made a pleasing return to action in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Fourth behind Auguste Rodin on that occasion, the run has led to another trip to the Knavesmire as Alflaila bids to retain his York Stakes title.

“You’d like to think he’ll take a step forward,” Burrows said.

“He’s five now – I know he won first time up last year, but as they get a bit older, they take a bit more getting fit.

“Jim (Crowley) came and rode him last Wednesday and he did a nice piece that morning.

Alflaila at York in 2022
Alflaila at York in 2022 (Mike Egerton/PA)

“I was very impressed with Passenger at Chester and the form has been franked by Israr winning the Wolferton Stakes. He looks a typical Sir Michael older horse improver. They’ve had a little hold-up, but he could be very good.

“King’s Gambit, I respect massively. If anything, it’s probably a stronger race than last year but I’d like to think we’re a better horse than we were last year.”

Karl Burke’s Royal Rhyme was fifth in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot and crosses paths with Alflaila again, but Charles Hills’ Summer Mile runner-up Ancient Rome has been declared a non-runner due to a bruised foot.



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Callum Shepherd shines as East set early pace in Racing League

/in /by

The in-form Callum Shepherd was the star on the opening night of the Racing League as the East made the most of home advantage at Yarmouth.

A region that encompasses racing’s heartland of Newmarket has struggled to make its mark in previous editions of the seven-team competition but galvanised by new manager and TV personality Chris Hughes, they fired in a treble on the east coast to lay down a marker and take an early 10-point lead in the competition.

It was Shepherd and the Ed Dunlop-trained Walter Hartright (11-2) who got the new Racing League campaign off with a bang, making all to take the £50,000 Guaranteed Tote Placepot Racing League Race 1 Handicap with a degree of ease.

Dunlop, who along with Charlie Fellowes is assisting Hughes with management of the East team, was thrilled to see the three-year-old notch up a four-timer, crediting Shepherd for his ride.

He told Sky Sports Racing: “Callum is riding fantastic, they went incredibly slowly and we were in the right place. He’s an improving horse and it was a great ride.

“He was frustrating to start with, hence we put the headgear on and it has transformed him. To be fair, the races before today were not the highest quality but he’s improving and I think we will step him up in class again.”

Shepherd was in the winner’s enclosure again after the Bet £5 Get £20 At tote.co.uk Racing League Race 3 Handicap as Royal Velvet (8-1) followed up her course-and-distance success earlier this month to bolster the East’s points tally.

Royal Velvet was a taking winner
Royal Velvet was a taking winner (Adam Davy/PA)

It was somewhat a stroke of good fortune that saw William Knight’s filly face the starter, with Hughes explaining his management team were struggling to decide on their representatives for the one-mile contest.

He said: “We had four we could have run in that race and genuinely between me, Charlie (Fellowes) and Ed (Dunlop), we couldn’t pick any of them, so we picked two out of a top hat.

“We thought that was the fairest way to do it, as they all had claims as to why they should run and thankfully we picked out the winner.”

Defending champions Ireland finished the evening in second position, with their sole victory on the card coming in the Follow @toteracing On X Racing League Race 5 Handicap, where George Boughey’s Thunder Moor (11-1) showed great tenacity to see off the challenge of treble-seeking Shepherd aboard Moulin Booj.

Thunder Moor (green) coming home to win for Ireland
Thunder Moor (green) coming home to win for Ireland (Adam Davy/PA)

A part of the Irish team’s title-winning treble on the final night at Southwell last year, it was fitting a Racing League regular secured Kevin Blake’s squad their first victory of the new competition.

“He’s a cool horse and he was a bit of a legend out in Bahrain during the winter,” said Boughey.

“It didn’t surprise me he ran a big race and he was so tough to get back up. He loves it here and a flat five furlongs is right up his street.

“Everyone complains about prize-money, me as much as anyone, but there’s great prize-money on offer and it’s a great incentive and long may it continue – we’ll keep supporting it as well as we can.”

It is not the Racing League without Saffie Osborne finding the scoresheet and the two-time competition leading jockey opened her account for 2024 aboard Clive Cox’s Pedro Valentino (9-4 favourite) in the Download The New tote App Racing League Race 4 Handicap.

Pedro Valentino and Saffie Osborne (left) getting on the scoreboard for Wales and The West
Pedro Valentino and Saffie Osborne (left) getting on the scoreboard for Wales and The West (Adam Davy/PA)

Osborne said: “It was a really nice performance and it wasn’t plan A to be making the running. On paper, there was lots of pace but from quickly out of the stalls it wasn’t going to be the case. He pricked his ears in front and made my life very easy.

“I would probably have liked to have something to aim at and Dave (Probert) was putting pressure on me from a long way out and I probably had to press the button a bit further out than I ideally would have liked, but the further he was going the better he was getting.”

The 22-year-old appeared set to record a double aboard her father Jamie Osborne’s Wahraan in the Stream All Racing Free At tote.co.uk Racing League Race 6 Handicap, but Hayley Turner struck late on Dylan Cunha’s Expressionless (12-1) to add to the East’s opening-night riches.

The evening’s feature Weekly Rewards With tote Stayers Club Racing League Race 7 Handicap went the way of London and The South, with Jack Channon’s Rathgar landing the spoils at 25-1.



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

King’s Gambit ‘all set’ for the Knavesmire, with Callum Shepherd booked

/in /by

Harry Charlton is excited to see his Royal Ascot runner-up King’s Gambit step up in class for the Sky Bet York Stakes on Saturday, with Callum Shepherd booked to take the ride for the first time.

A facile winner of the London Gold Cup on his three-year-old debut, the Saxon Warrior colt then charged home from an uncompromising position to finish second to Jayarebe in last month’s Hampton Court Stakes.

Having arguably been an unlucky loser in that Group Three contest, King’s Gambit is being readied to test the water at Group Two level in what looks a potentially mouthwatering contest on the Knavesmire this weekend.

Charlton said: “He’s in good form and he’s all set. He’s had a good prep since (Royal Ascot) and is working well. It will be interesting up in grade against the older horses.

“It’s always been a likely plan to go to York. There aren’t that many options for three-year-olds, that’s the crux of it. You either go in against the older horses or wait for France (Prix Guillaume d’Ornano at Deauville) in the middle of August, so this is what we’re trying.”

William Buick has been on board King’s Gambit for each of his two previous starts this season, but he is required to ride at Ascot on Saturday, where his likely mounts include Rebel’s Romance in the King George.

Charlton has therefore turned to Shepherd, who has enjoyed big-race victories this summer aboard Isle Of Jura in the Hardwicke Stakes and Quddwah in the Summer Mile, for what he expects to be a tough test.

Callum Shepherd will ride King's Gambit at York on Saturday
Callum Shepherd will ride King’s Gambit at York on Saturday (Mike Egerton/PA)

“Oddly, it probably looks better than the Eclipse was – it’s a good race,” Charlton added.

“We’re happy with our horse and booking Callum has come about because he’s obviously in good form, he’s a good jockey and has ridden a few Group winners recently.

“With Ascot on, our regular go-to jockeys are obviously there and we thought he was the best available.”

King’s Gambit is an 11-2 shot with the race sponsors, who make Sir Michael Stoute’s Passenger their 13-8 favourite ahead of the Owen Burrows-trained Alflaila at 5-2 and Ed Walker’s Almaqam at 5-1.

Alflaila in action at York
Alflaila in action at York (Mike Egerton/PA)

Alflaila, winner of this race 12 months ago, made an encouraging return from injury when fourth in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot and is on course to defend his York crown.

“I think it was a very solid first run of the year,” said Burrows.

“It was a big ask, first run of the season, in a Group One. I’m not saying we were unlucky at all, but he did get hampered one-and-a-half (furlongs) down. I think he would have been a bit closer.

“He’ll just have a breeze tomorrow – all his work’s done as such. Touch wood, all the boxes have been ticked. As long as he breezes well, we’ll be declaring Thursday morning.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Callum Shepherd continuing to make his mark

/in /by

It has been a season to remember for Callum Shepherd, who is eyeing more big days in the saddle following his Ascot treble last Saturday.

The 26-year-old was unexpectedly in the spotlight when seeing his Derby dreams dashed earlier in the summer, replaced by Robert Havlin on Ambiente Friendly ahead of the Epsom Classic.

But he was soon creating his own headlines when steering Isle Of Jura to a memorable Hardwicke Stakes victory at Royal Ascot, before having another day to remember at the Berkshire track last weekend.

Less than 24 hours after being unseated from Simon and Ed Crisford’s Magnum Opus at the track, he was guiding the training duo’s star miler Quddwah to victory in the featured Anne Cowley Memorial Summer Mile Stakes.

“I’m thrilled with how things are going and I’ve registered some big-race wins on a few different horses and particularly at the bigger meetings,” said Shepherd.

“I’m managing to make a bit of a mark which is pretty good.”

Quddwah was Shepherd’s second Group Two success of the season and leg one of a brilliant Ascot three-timer, as he took full advantage of big-race opportunities for some high-profile connections on a busy afternoon around the country.

The Kingman colt is now four from four in his career, and Shepherd believes races such as the Sussex Stakes are realistic for a horse he appreciates his weighing-room colleagues will be queueing up to ride.

Quddwah winning under William Buick earlier in the season
Quddwah winning under William Buick earlier in the season (Adam Davy/PA)

“Quddwah is a really exciting horse and looks a Group One winner in the making,” continued Shepherd.

“It was great to get the leg-up on him, and for him to go and justify his favouritism was brilliant.

“It’s not been discussed (if he will keep the ride) and it will be down to connections and something which is out of my hands. He’s going to be a ride which a lot of people will want and we will have to see, but hopefully I’m in the equation.”

The rider also helped James Fanshawe’s Surveyor make a return to the winner’s enclosure, while he also registered his first victory aboard Charlie Fellowes’ Kodi Lion and is predicting bigger things for both in the second half of the season.

Shepherd added: “It was lovely to ride Cheveley Park a winner for James Fanshawe. I think James has trained a lot of the family so it was nice to be able to do that and for there to be a backstory to it.

“She’s a horse who is progressing nicely and you should hopefully see more of her in the second half of the season.

“Kodi Lion has gone up 7lb for what he did at Ascot and even though he only won a length, he did so very well. He will be targeted at one of the big festivals I think and he looks a really progressive three-year-old at this point who could step up in trip again.

“He’s exciting and owned by Opulence Thoroughbreds and it is nice to see a syndicate enjoying a really great time. It would be nice to see him head to a festival where they can really enjoy him.”

Callum Shepherd has enjoyed a great season
Callum Shepherd has enjoyed a great season (Steve Paston/PA)

Shepherd’s high came shortly after a low the previous evening and the jockey admits he was somewhat fortunate to escape Friday’s unseat with only superficial injuries, praising the Ascot medical team for the role they played in ensuring he was fit to take up Saturday’s star book of rides.

Patched up and sporting bandages to protect the previous evening’s stitches, he was back in the saddle to enjoy a renaissance story only racing can provide.

“I was probably pretty lucky. I have some stitches in my forehead, but the body was fine and luckily I was able to ride,” explained Shepherd.

“I passed the concussion protocol and was able to get my helmet on without too much discomfort which was the main thing.

“It’s inevitable from time to time (to have a fall) and I was obviously worried it wasn’t very well timed given the good rides I knew that I had the next day.

“Guy Mitchell did the stitches and the medical team as always were excellent and it is a credit to them for attending to me so quickly and they got me on my way before the end of racing on Friday.

“It’s racing, there’s highs and lows and it’s a brilliant sport for that reason. There’s the chance to compete every day and when you can find the right horses and have those days, that’s what makes the sport really special. I’m glad I had one of those days on Saturday.”

Of course Shepherd’s greatest day this season came aboard Isle Of Jura when scoring for the first time at the Royal meeting, continuing a long and fruitful association with George Scott’s crack middle-distance operator.

Isle Of Jura and Callum Shepherd winning the Hardwicke Stakes
Isle Of Jura and Callum Shepherd winning the Hardwicke Stakes (David Davies/PA)

A setback has ended hopes of the gelding extending his five-race winning sequence in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes back at Ascot later this month, while also prematurely curtailing his season.

However, those associated are positive the four-year-old can make his presence felt once again upon his return next season.

“Isle Of Jura gave us a lot of good days in Bahrain which was really important given who he represents and we had a wonderful winter for him,” said Shepherd.

“For him to come back here and do what he did was brilliant and the Hardwicke was by far the best day of my career, I really really enjoyed it.

“It’s a shame we won’t see him for the rest of the year, but we would be fairly confident in saying he will be returning next season and for a few seasons to come.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Quddwah shows his quality to secure Summer Mile success

/in /by

Quddwah gained some compensation following his enforced absence from Royal Ascot by extending his unbeaten record in the Anne Cowley Memorial Summer Mile.

A winner on his first two starts at Salisbury and Newmarket last season, the Kingman colt successfully stepped up to Listed class after almost a year on the sidelines when landing the Paradise Stakes on Royal Ascot Trials Day in early May.

Simon and Ed Crisford’s charge was all set to return to the Berkshire circuit for the Queen Anne Stakes before an unsatisfactory blood test scuppered his participation.

And given the second and third from the Paradise Stakes, Docklands and Maljoom, went on to occupy the same finishing positions at the royal meeting, connections of Quddwah can be forgiven for wondering what might have been.

The four-year-old was a 5-4 favourite for his belated return to Ascot in this Group Two contest and Callum Shepherd cut a confident figure in the saddle as he rounded the home turn in behind the pacesetting pair of Bolster and Embesto.

Once asked to fully extend, Quddwah picked up smartly to grab the lead and he stuck to his guns late on to score by half a length from the staying-on Ancient Rome.

Ed Crisford said: “He never does much in front and is still a bit immature, but he’s learning to race now and he’s got tons of ability.

“He travels extremely well and put the race to bed pretty quickly really and was always doing enough in front, even though he idles a bit.

“I think there’s plenty more to come; he’s unbeaten, he’s only had four runs in his life and I think a stronger pace will suit him.”

Paddy Power cut the winner to 10-1 from 20-1 for the Qatar Sussex Stakes at Goodwood on July 31, although Crisford raised a trip to France as a potential alternative.

“We’ll have to see what Sheikh Ahmed (owner) wants, but he’s in the Prix Jacques le Marois as well and that is an option,” he added.

Shepherd was impressed by the performance, telling Sky Sports Racing: “He’s got that stargazing sort of head carriage, but I never felt vulnerable up to the line, which is a good feeling as a rider.

“I feel if he’d been given a real challenge late on, he’d have responded to it, but he did everything right. He was probably handier than he’s been in some races in the past, but he makes it very simple for his rider and he’s a top-notch horse.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

First success is the sweetest for emotional Shepherd

/in /by

A first ever Royal Ascot winner is in itself a poignant moment, but the emotion seemed to run a little deeper than usual for Callum Shepherd when winning the Hardwicke Stakes aboard Isle Of Jura.

The 26-year-old has enjoyed a prosperous partnership with the horse since he joined trainer George Scott’s stable, faring particularly well throughout the winter in Bahrain – the homeland of his owner Sheikh Nasser.

Though Isle Of Jura’s continued success has given the Shepherd much to celebrate, there was a significant and much-discussed low point for him earlier this year when the Derby came around in June.

Shepherd was due to ride James Fanshawe’s Ambiente Friendly in the Classic, aboard whom he was the wide-margin winner of the Lingfield Derby Trial.

The Gredley family, owners of the colt, opted to replace him in favour of Robert Havlin, however, and Shepherd had no choice but to look on as the horse finished second behind City Of Troy.

Royal Ascot 2024 – Day Five – Ascot Racecourse
Isle Of Jura crossing the line (David Davies/PA)

The rider remained dignified in the aftermath as others expressed indignation on his behalf, and clearly redirected his focus on the next big meeting when heading to Royal Ascot with rides on each day.

Isle Of Jura, though 16-1 for the Group Two Hardwick Stakes, must have been the most anticipated among them after his two Listed successes this year and after a smooth passage though the race, he strode to a brilliant three-and-a-quarter-length victory under an emotional and reflective Shepherd.

“I couldn’t be more grateful to the horse and his connections, we’ve been on a great journey,” he said.

“George has shown me such loyal support and this horse has been a revelation, he’s just stepped up and he’s been fantastic.

Royal Ascot 2024 – Day Five – Ascot Racecourse
Isle Of Jura winning the eighth race of his career (David Davies/PA)

“That was something. It hasn’t hit me yet, you’re so desperate for it to happen.”

Referencing the disappointment of losing his Derby ride, the jockey added: “With a backdrop of what has been a productive six or nine months, through the winter into this year, everything was going pretty swimmingly.

“Then it’s well documented what happened and it’s tough, obviously it’s tough, losing your seat on a horse and a very good one at that. That’s tough.

“It just makes you hungry to go out and do it on the rides that you do keep. I would’ve hated the narrative of my year to be getting jocked off a horse.

“It needed to be about the horses I was riding and this is a very special horse.

Royal Ascot 2024 – Day Five – Ascot Racecourse
Isle Of Jura en route to victory (David Davies/PA)

“He’s a wonderful horse and he just has that innate desire to win. It was an amazing performance and he was just very, very good.

“The natural step is Group Ones now, he’s earned his place in them. He keeps improving, he hasn’t let us down yet and I’m proud of what he’s achieved so far.”

With his voice faltering slightly Shepherd also mentioned the death of his friend and fellow rider Stefano Cherchi, who lost his life after a fall aged just 23 and whose fate has provided a poignant point of perspective for his own troubles.

He said: “We give life and soul to get everything we can out of the sport, my friend Stefano Cherchi quite literally gave his life.

“How silly would it be if I’m moaning and sulking because I’m not riding a horse when you consider what his family have had to go through?

“We put everything into this sport to get the most out of it and I’m lucky to be doing what I’m doing, I’m lucky to be riding this horse.

“That was an amazing moment and it meant a lot to a lot of people, that’s what you do it for and it just felt amazing.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Isle Of Jura way too hot for Hardwicke rivals

/in /by

The remarkable Isle Of Jura continued his fairytale campaign with a brilliant victory in the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot.

George Scott’s charge was rated in the low 70s last year, but is fast becoming a middle-distance operator to be reckoned with after winning five races on the spin.

Following a winter hat-trick in Bahrain, the four-year-old made a successful return to Britain in the Listed Festival Stakes at Goodwood last month – but with Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe fifth Continuous among his rivals, he was sent off at 16-1 stepping up to Group Two level.

Callum Shepherd returns aboard Isle Of Jura
Callum Shepherd returns aboard Isle Of Jura (PA)

Partnered by Callum Shepherd, who earlier this season lost the ride on Derby runner-up Ambiente Friendly, the New Approach gelding moved to the heels of the pacesetters at the top of the home straight before finding a gear his rivals simply could not match.

Such was the authority with which he won, Shepherd was able to take a look at the big screen in the closing strides before standing up in the stirrups to salute the crowd, with three and three-quarter lengths separating him and French raider Goliath at the line.

Middle Earth was third, with 13-8 favourite Continuous back in fifth on what was his first competitive appearance since the Arc in October.

Scott said: “He’s an exceptional racehorse and it was an exceptional race from start to finish. He was the right horse at the right time (in his career).

Isle Of Jura after taking down some big names in the Hardwicke
Isle Of Jura after taking down some big names in the Hardwicke (PA)

“It’s amazing. Just over a year ago he was well beaten in a Thirsk maiden. To do this for Sheikh Nasser (Victorious Racing), such a big supporter of mine, is very special.

“We are just blessed to have him, he’s repaid us time and time again and the journey from hereon in is going to be very very special.

“Most best-laid plans go to pot, but this has been a long-term plan. This was an obvious race for him. We knew Goodwood would bring him on, and it has. We knew he would get the ground, and he has. It was a scintillating performance, so we shall enjoy it.

“Callum is a top-class rider he had his horse in the right position all the way, kicked nice and early and put the race to bed. It was a perfect ride. All roads lead to the King George, 100 per cent.”

Shepherd said: “I’m really struggling to compose myself.

“He’s such a special horse for George and the team. Make no mistake, he never lets us down.

“Obviously the last six weeks have been very difficult, but that just feels very special.”

Goliath (yellow hat) got closest to Isle Of Jura
Goliath (yellow hat) got closest to Isle Of Jura (John Walton/PA)

Fresh from his winner on Friday, Francis-Henri Graffard said of Goliath: “We came here because we wanted to avoid the French style of racing, with no pace, and unfortunately today they decided to do a little bit of the same. My horse was a bit too keen through the race; he’s difficult to manage, but not too bad today.

“I walked the course and there was a good cover of grass and I thought it was safe ground for him, but he’s probably better with a bit of cut.

“He has to settle in his races to be able to stay and to produce a good turn of foot, but we are very pleased with the run – he’s a very nice horse and we beat some very nice horses, too. He’s entered in the King George, but we’ll see what the weather forecast is. I don’t know – it’s a long journey and a tough race, but why not?”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Callum Shepherd keen to move on from Friendly firing

/in /by

Callum Shepherd stated he just wants to let his riding do the talking after being jocked off Betfred Derby second favourite Ambiente Friendly.

Owners Bill and Tim Gredley informed Shepherd earlier this week they wanted to replace him on the impressive Lingfield Derby Trial winner with the more experienced Rab Havlin.

Speaking after partnering Isle Of Jura to win the feature race at Goodwood on Friday, Shepherd told Racing TV: “It’s obviously disappointing and it’s been a challenging week but there’s not really anything more to say than that.

“My part in the Derby story is now over, as much as I don’t want it to be, I’m going to have to live with that. I obviously have a lot of respect for Rab and it is his time.

“It’s a time when you are slightly vulnerable but I did get a lot of supportive messages, probably more than I expected and from a real diverse range of people, from people that I wouldn’t have thought would reach out, but I do appreciate that because it is tough.

“As far as social media is concerned, you see both sides of it but perhaps it has spoken more in my favour this week, but it can be an ugly thing and it’s not something I want to take too much time thinking of.

“I just want to let my riding do the talking – I’ll be just fine, you watch me!”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Simcock and Shepherd claim slice of history at Wolverhampton

/in /by

Callum Shepherd questioned the need for Sunday evening racing after his mount Charlie’s Choice entered the record books as a new era for British racing began under the lights at Wolverhampton.

Floodlit all-weather meetings on a Sunday evening are being trialled throughout the winter as part of the British Horseracing Authority’s wide-range of initiatives to improve the sport, with the enhanced prize-money incentives on offer attracting a bumper field of entrants to Dunstall Park.

Eleven went to post for the opening Find More Big Deals At BetUK Handicap and it was David Simcock’s Charlie’s Choice (3-1) who came home best in the hands of Shepherd to score by three-quarters of a length.

Shepherd was booked for four mounts on the Wolverhampton card, with his final ride scheduled for the last race of the day at 8.30pm, and after claiming the opener, he voiced his opinion on Sunday racing.

“It would be nice if it wasn’t a Sunday evening,” Shepherd told Sky Sports Racing.

“We don’t need to be here on a Sunday evening. I think in the summer, during peak season, you accept it is part and parcel and jump racing can facilitate Sunday racing throughout the winter as we do through the summer.

Wolverhampton hosted the first Sunday evening floodlit meeting
Wolverhampton hosted the first Sunday evening floodlit meeting (David Davies/PA)

“Bar the festive period, I don’t think there is any great need for Sunday racing and certainly not Sunday evening racing.

“We might get a couple of hundred quid extra in our pockets, but I don’t think it is healthy.

“I want to be able to go watch football with my dad and things like that and if this becomes a regular thing – which it will – you just cross that brink between having absolutely no work-life balance and I don’t think that is right.

“My desire to ride winners and my desire to ride for David outweighs that, and it has to as a rider with the dedication it requires, it is not an option not to come. So I will always be available. But I don’t think I should be here at 8.30pm on a Sunday night.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Callum Shepherd and Joanna Mason facing injury absences

/in /by

Jockeys Callum Shepherd and Joanna Mason are facing more time on the sidelines, having both recently just returned from injury.

Shepherd, who broke a wrist in November, aggravated his old injury when the Charlie Fellowes-trained Trois Vallees fell in a five-furlong handicap at Nottingham on Sunday.

He said: “I’ll be on the sofa for a little while. The horse sadly had a heart attack and the wrist started swelling up in one place, the same wrist I broke in November.

Joanna Mason facing an extended spell on the sidelines
Joanna Mason facing an extended spell on the sidelines (Mike Egerton/PA)

“It is fractured, but not too bad. The concern was it had opened up the old fracture again, but it hasn’t. I have a radial styloid fracture.

“It is hard to say when I will be back. I spoke to Dr Jerry Hill (the British Horseracing Authority’s chief medical officer), having sent him the X-ray. It is a case of getting a CAT scan to see the full extent of it, but I think it will be a case of weeks, rather than months. That seems to be the expectation at the moment. Hopefully, that will be the case.

“It’s a tough one, but at the same time it could be a lot worse – it’s not your spine or your head.”

Mason, who was sidelined for 10 days last month when kicked in the knee by Jazz Samba following his win at Beverley on May 1,  faces a lengthy absence.

She suffered a leg fracture on Monday when three pigeons flew out of bushes adjacent to the gallops at her grandfather Mick and his son David Easterby’s , spooking a filly she was riding and unseating her.

Mason said: “I was riding a filly down the gallop and three pigeons flew out and she was just gone from underneath me.

“I just landed a bit funny on my ankle. I got up, hobbled down the gallop until my granddad picked me up. I put ice on it, went to Jack Berry House and they looked at it.

“I thought it was ligaments or a strain, I wasn’t really in much pain, so I thought I had stretched or whatever, but they said to go to Malton Hospital for an X-ray to rule everything out.

“It is a spiral fracture on my lower (distal) fibula. They say I’ll be off between four to six weeks, but I’m aiming for four.”

Adding insult to injury, Mason missed a winning ride on Menelaus, who took the mile-and-a-half handicap at Thirsk on Monday.

She added: “I was 10 days off after my knee was kicked at Beverley. I was getting on a roll and the horses are going well.

“But I feel like I’ve probably been quite lucky, because I’ve not had many injuries. Maybe it is just my time.

“My knee is still niggling me a little bit – there’s still quite a bit of swelling in it, but that’s the least of my worries now.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns