'I needed a winner here - it's been a tough six weeks' - Kieran Shoemark puts a testing period behind him with Royal Ascot success

Kieran Shoemark said he has had "a few battles" since losing his role as first rider to John and Thady Gosden last month, but was left smiling following the win of Never Let Go in the Sandringham Stakes.

The jockey was appointed number one at Clarehaven after Frankie Dettori relocated to the US last year, but parted company with the stable after the Gosdens adopted a "best available" rider position in May. 

The defeat aboard Field Of Gold in the 2,000 Guineas was one of his final rides for the Gosden team and he had to watch that horse win the Irish 2,000 Guineas and Tuesday's St James's Palace under Colin Keane. 

"I needed a winner here this week," he said after guiding the Ed Walker-trained filly to success. "It’s been a tough six weeks or so. I had an opportunity that put me on the map and things didn’t work out, but it’s my job to remain there now.

"Someone said to me, ‘When the bombs go off, keep walking’, and that’s what I’ve had to do. Things haven’t gone my way and I've had a few battles, but I think the tide will turn. It happens to everybody and you’ve just got to get over it. I’ve remained positive throughout and here I am."

Kieran Shoemark: "Someone said to me, ‘When the bombs go off, keep walking’, and that’s what I’ve had to do"Credit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Shoemark had to overcome a second setback when Shes Perfect was demoted to second after passing the post first in the Group 1 French 1,000 Guineas last month, but credited staying busy with helping him tackle the twin disappointments.

"I’ve put in the work – I’m not afraid of it – and I’ve been very busy," he said. "I’ve been riding all around Europe in some good races. I want to ride at the top and stay at the top. It’s so important to be riding here. It can be a long week sitting in that weighing room and to get one on the board is important.

"I feel very privileged and humbled and the messages and support I've received have been quite overwhelming." 

Read these next:

Shes Perfect owner defends 'fantastic rider and person' Kieran Shoemark after jockey is subject to online abuse 

Heartbreak for Kieran Shoemark as French 1,000 Guineas win on Shes Perfect is overturned by stewards 

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

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