KIERAN SET TO MAKE A MARK
KIERAN SHOEMARK aims to kick off a huge year in the saddle “with a bang” when he takes over from Frankie Dettori on star mare Emily Upjohn in Dubai on Saturday.
Shoemark, 28, will start the post-dettori era as one of John and Thady Gosden’s go-to jockeys.
The Gosdens have given him an immediate vote of confidence by picking him to ride last year’s Coronation Cup winner in the £4.7m Dubai Sheema Classic against a field that includes Derby winner Auguste Rodin – even when Dettori will also be at Meydan.
“John said the other day that he wanted me to ride Emily Upjohn in Dubai because I would be partnering up with her for the remainder of the season,” said Shoemark.
“He wanted some continuity, which made sense.
“It’s exciting. I’ve ridden Emily Upjohn at home, have gotten to know her over the last six weeks and she feels great. It’s a big opportunity.”
Shoemark (below) is best known for his association with Lady Bowthorpe, on whom he landed his biggest win to date in the 2021 Nassau Stakes at Goodwood.
His most significant win for the Gosden Stable so far was a Listed win in November but he will be on two live chances on Saturday as he will also partner Trawlerman in the Dubai Gold Cup, who memorably kicked off Dettori’s last day riding in Britain by winning the Long Distance Cup on Champions Day in October.
“Trawlerman won the stayers’ race on Champions Day, beating Kyprios,” said Shoemark.
“He stays for fun and a lot of Golden Horns improve with age. It would be great to start the season with a bang.”