A jockey who was controversially dumped from the second favourite for the Derby was in tears after celebrating his biggest win at Royal Ascot.
Callum Shepherd was expected to take his first ride in the Epsom Classic three weeks ago after steering Ambiente Friendly to victory in the Lingfield Derby Trial.
But in a surprise move, owners Bill and Tim Gredley offered the mount to Frankie Dettori and after they were turned down picked Robert Havlin for the colt. Rather than complain publicly, Shepherd kept his own counsel as Ambiente Friendly went on to finish second behind City Of Troy.
But the emotion came out after the 26-year-old rode the remarkable Isle Of Jura to victory in the Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes.
The George Scott-trained four-year-old, who spent his winter in Bahrain where he won the country’s triple crown, has now won five times in a row.
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"I'm really struggling to compose myself,” said Shepherd, fighting back the tears. "Obviously the last six weeks have been very difficult but that just feels very special. It's been a real test this week.
He went on: “I’m so fortunate to get on Isle Of Jura. He was so, so good - he loves quick ground, stays a mile and half very well, and six weeks ago I thought I’d found my diamond [Ambiente Friendly] and that wasn’t to be, but he’s certainly blossomed into one.
“We had a great winter and I’d ridden plenty of winners, and it was all going pretty smoothly, but that's sport - it won’t all go your way for long, and I’m so fortunate to have this horse to continue to bring me to the big occasions.”
Isle Of Jura had one run for Godolphin before he was bought by Scott. He won his first race off a rating of 71 but will next be seen in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Britain’s premier all-aged middle distance race.
Scott, also recording his first royal meeting success, said: “He is a special horse. He has improved all the time and has been a pleasure to train. He is the most ginormous horse, beautiful mover, a lot of hard work has gone into him at home.
“It was a moment I will never forget, everything stopped for a minute and I could enjoy the last half-furlong.”
He added: “Callum gave him a perfect ride. He sat nice and tight to a slow pace. He was in pole position and able to make use of his position, kick nice and early and put the race to bed. It was a perfect ride.”
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