Kieran Shoemark to ride as second jockey for Clipper Logistics

Kieran Shoemark, who has hit the ground running since the resumption of racing on June 1, has been appointed second jockey to the successful Clipper Logistics operation.

Leeds-based Clipper Logistics already has Danny Tudhope on its books as first choice rider and Shoemark has been brought on board to ride some of the team's southern-based runners which are housed mainly with Archie Watson and Michael Bell.

Runner-up in the apprentices' title in 2017, Shoemark has not looked back since returning from a six-month drugs ban a year ago and rode a double at Wolverhampton on Tuesday, making it four winners in three days.

Speaking at Chelmsford on Monday, where he was showing off his new Clipper Logistic breeches, the 24-year-old said: "Clipper Logistics have a lot of nice horses this year, including 16 with Archie Watson, where I'm in four days a week at the moment.

"I've also been up to Newmarket to ride work for Michael Bell, where we also have some promising types, including Eagles By Day, who I think goes to Royal Ascot, although I would imagine Danny would ride him."

Billy Lee to support Children's Health Foundation

Billy Lee, already off the mark for the campaign after riding a winner at Leopardstown on Tuesday, will carry the Children’s Health Foundation logo on his breeches this season.

A Group 1-winning rider, Lee volunteered to ride with the logo after visiting Crumlin Children’s Hospital with many of his weighroom colleagues recently.

The rider said: ”Through John Butler racecourse physiotherapist, a few of us got to meet the staff and children at Crumlin Children’s Hospital and we were left humbled and in awe with the fantastic work being done there and also realised that the hospital has a great need for funding.

“Rather than have the usual sponsors' names on my breeches and riding equipment I thought it might be a useful idea that I would carry the Children’s Health Foundation logo to help raise awareness while at the same time, myself and the other riders could raise some much needed money.”

Lee added: “I really am delighted at the opportunity to support The Children’s Health Foundation at Crumlin.”

Denise Fitzgerald, chief executive of Children’s Health Foundation, commended Lee for his initiative.

She said: “We are so grateful for the wonderful support of Billy Lee and the Irish Jockeys Association. Horseracing has a very special place in the hearts of so many people in Ireland and around the world. We are delighted that the Children’s Hospital Foundation will be highlighted so prominently when racing resumes during the next phase of easing social distancing restrictions.”

Fitzgerald added: “Throughout the lockdown, vital care and treatment for sick children continued in CHI at Crumlin. This donation will ensure that our frontline heroes continue to provide world class care to our little patients.”

The Irish Jockeys Association will be working with Lee in his endeavour and will be making a donation to the hospital.

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