'I put my family through hell - but I hope I've repaid them in some small way'

The story of Kieran Shoemark had the potential to become a tragedy. A tragedy of talent wasted, opportunities squandered, youthful promise unfulfilled, or perhaps far, far worse. Racing has had its share of those tales but they become no easier to bear for their familiarity.

'Young man does well, discovers booze, disappears down the pan,' is not a new plot line. Throw in the modern predilection for drugs and you have all the ingredients for something dark and with an unhappy ending.

Which was why the final chapter of last month's Nassau Stakes, with its groundswell of tears, jubilation and communal outpouring, made for such a joyous occasion.