Gosdens opt for ‘shift in policy’ to ‘best available rider’

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.

Shoemark is set to remain a member of the Newmarket operation and was in action for the stable at Chester on Wednesday, but will no longer be the first port of call for the father and son training team.

Speaking to ITV Racing, Thady Gosden said: “We’re just having a shift in policy for the rest of the season going to best available rider, but of course Kieran is still riding for us and will continue to do so.

“In the press, everything is dramatised to an extent, but it is what it is and hopefully we will have a good season together.”

When asked if Field Of Gold’s defeat in the opening Classic of the season played a part in the decision, Gosden added: “I guess we could analyse things till the sun sets but there is not much point doing that and the decision has been made – and hopefully we will make the best of it.”