Kieran Shoemark 'is a top jockey for a reason' - winning trainer hails under-fire jockey after 33-1 success

Kieran Shoemark was hailed for his winning ride on 33-1 shot Up The Pace in the 6f handicap as he enjoyed a first success since being dropped as stable jockey to John and Thady Gosden.

Winning trainer Edward Smyth-Osbourne said the rider, who lost his job after finishing second in the 2,000 Guineas on favourite Field Of Gold, proved he was a "top jockey for a reason" after winning by three-quarters of a length on the three-year-old.

It was a first victory at Ascot and for the season for the Lambourn trainer, while Up The Pace was recording a second career success having been last of seven on his final start of last season at Kempton in November.

Smyth-Osbourne said: "I’m slightly speechless but absolutely delighted. He's best on softer ground but he seemed to handle the quicker surface so that opens up a few more options. He was probably only 80 per cent fit so there’s a bit to work on still. 

"Kieran's a top jockey for a reason. He’s very, very good and he gave him a great ride. I'm delighted to be able to support him and give him a bit of a boost."

Course records

Get It beat the 6f track record set by Blue Point in the 2017 Pavilion Stakes when making all to cause a 22-1 shock in the 6f handicap. He was also recording a first victory since last season's Stewards' Cup, when winning in 1m 10.48s, and connections will now target the Dash at Epsom on Derby day.

Society Kiss equalled the two-year-old track record when making a winning debut in the 5f fillies' maiden for Ralph Beckett and Hector Crouch. Unibet installed her at 12-1 for the Queen Mary at Royal Ascot. 

Read more:

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