Who are the jockeys that could benefit from a change in policy by the Gosdens?

John and Thady Gosden have moved to a ‘best rider available’ policy meaning Kieran Shoemark will no longer be the first-choice jockey for some of the yard’s most high-profile horses.

A number of the Gosdens’ owners have retained riders already: Godolphin (William Buick), Shadwell (Jim Crowley), Wathnan Racing (James Doyle), Qatar Racing (Oisin Murphy) and Imad Al Sagar (Hollie Doyle).

However, the loosening of Shoemark’s grip as main rider will allow more opportunities for other jockeys. Here, we look at who may benefit from the shake-up . . .

Robert Havlin

John Gosden and Robert Havlin are long-time alliesCredit: Edward Whitaker

A long-serving member of the Gosden team who gained his Group 1 breakthrough for the yard on Commissioning in the 2022 Fillies’ Mile and added last year’s Lockinge Stakes on Audience.

Those top-level successes may have helped Havlin shed any stigma about only being a second-fiddle jockey, and he has stepped into ride for Audience’s owners, Cheveley Park Stud, frequently since Shoemark was removed from riding Inspiral last summer.

Whether or not Havlin steps straight into riding in the biggest races is uncertain, but it would seem logical that his services may be called on more regularly day-to-day.

Benoit de la Sayette

Benoit de la Sayette: former apprentice to the GosdensCredit: Alan Crowhurst

A former apprentice to the Gosdens, De La Sayette’s number of rides for the stable has dipped over the last couple of years.

However, he remains trusted by the trainers and has been riding with more frequency in recent weeks, including having two fancied rides at Kempton on Wednesday evening, the first of which won. 

Big-race experience may be lacking, but he could conceivably slip into the role usually occupied by Havlin of riding at second meetings for the Gosdens if more responsibility goes Havlin’s way.

Colin Keane

Colin Keane: ridden regularly in top races for JuddmonteCredit: Patrick McCann

The main question mark coming from Shoemark’s removal from automatic first choice is who will ride Field Of Gold? With the Irish 2,000 Guineas a potential next destination, it would seem likely that Colin Keane would step in to ride.

Keane is admired by Juddmonte and replaced Rob Hornby on Westover for the Abdullahs in the Irish Derby three years ago. 

A six-time champion jockey in Ireland, Keane has significant big-race experience and is likely to have the flexibility to ride Juddmonte’s horses for the Gosdens in the top races.

Read more . . .

John and Thady Gosden to use 'best available' rider following Kieran Shoemark's defeat on Field Of Gold 

'Retained jockeys are out of fashion - they're for an owner, not a trainer' - a timeline of John Gosden quotes on Kieran Shoemark 

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