In the upcoming week, Kieran Shoemark is eager to make a strong start at Royal Ascot with Inspiral in the Queen Anne race. Trained by John and Thady Gosden, Inspiral is the favourite at 3-1 odds for the opening race of the prestigious event. Shoemark, who has taken on the role of number one rider at the Gosden yard, hopes that Inspiral will deliver a better performance than her fourth-place finish in the Lockinge Stakes last month.
Shoemark believes that Inspiral needed the run and will be better prepared for Ascot, where she finished second last year. Despite the pressure of replacing Frankie Dettori at the Gosden yard, Shoemark is focused on taking it day by day rather than setting specific targets for himself for the week.
He will be riding between 15 and 20 horses during Royal Ascot, including high-profile contenders like Theory Of Tides, Emily Upjohn, and Eben Shaddad. Shoemark acknowledges the support and advice he has received from Dettori, who has helped guide him through his new role. He is excited about the opportunity to showcase his skills at one of the biggest events in racing and is looking forward to what the future holds.