Callum Shepherd being dumped off the Epsom Derby second-fav is a massive shame and the reasons why don’t make sense
WE’VE had the mystery of the Loch Ness Monster and questions over the Mary Celeste’s fate and Cleopatra’s Tomb.
But surely none of those come close to the puzzle of Callum Shepherd being dumped in the Derby.
Like many I was left dumbfounded this week when the ever maturing talent of Shepherd was ditched from Epsom’s leading big-race hope Ambiente Friendly.
I have to use the caveat cliché here that any owner has, of course, the perfect right to put any rider up on their pride and joy.
But when vague reasons are given for a switch then it’s equally fair that questions are asked.
If, by the way, you are wondering why that is the case then it’s quite simple.
Horse racing relies on fans and punters to exist. You alienate those people then you injure the game.
It’s no different to a football manager explaining at a press conference why a player has been left out a starting squad. It’s much more than just explaining to supporters.
One player absent from a team can mean serious income lost or gained in shirt sales.
Alas, in the case of Shepherd, very few questions have been asked or answered.
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I hear you cry: “Why don’t you then Matt?”
Well, I have tried, but was told by Ambiente Friendly’s owners, the Gredley family — who essentially are the likeable father and son combination of Bill and Tim — that they had nothing more to say.
What has been said, to be honest, has been mumbo jumbo.
Shepherd is having a cracking season and was outstanding during the winter on the all-weather.
I took him to one side at least once during that time and suggested this could be a great year for him, one that really propels him forward.
And it’s not only in the saddle that Shepherd has progressed.
Out of the saddle he has also impressed in conversation over the passing of his friend Stefano Cherchi and the pros and cons of Sunday night racing.
In the case of the former, I’m sure Stefano has been in Shepherd’s mind as he has taken a hammer blow with dignity.
There is no doubt over the last few years an intelligent, thoughtful and talented man in Callum Shepherd has emerged in full force.
All we’ve had from the Gredleys on the matter has been a quote from Tim saying: “It’s a big call to make but we wanted to have more experience on the day.
“Dad and I had a chat with Callum and there has been no falling out. He’s ridden us plenty of winners but we thought Rab Havlin had more experience of a big occasion like the Derby, which will be a big day for all of us.”
It was also suggested that Havlin’s win on Audience in the Lockinge showed that rider to be in top shape. Oh my! I’ll come to that in a minute.
If I had been given the chance, I would have liked to ask the Gredleys the following.
Firstly, it’s on record that Ambiente Friendly — bought from the Breeze Up Sales — needs settling.
Shepherd showed he could achieve that with finesse in the Lingfield Derby Trial.
That day the colt raced keenly in the early stages but came back on the bridle after half a furlong and then relaxed well.
I’m told that was also the case in his work at home under Shepherd. So why did they not think that was important?
Secondly, I’d ask did they take into account Shepherd is one of the leading riders at Epsom?
Since he started out in 2014, Shepherd is eight wins from 47 rides at Epsom.
Havlin boasts figures of just five from 86 since 1991.
Thirdly, I’d ask for their factual reasoning by wanting a more experienced jockey around Epsom.
Did they feel that helped Richard Kingscote? Or Adam Kirby? Or Emmet McNamara? Or Padraig Beggy? Or Mickael Barzalona? Or Willie Ryan?
It’s just nonsense.
Added to which, let’s get back to that Lockinge. Let’s remember Audience was in the Lockinge to mess up Big Rock. Winning was not really the plan!
In other words, in many ways he failed to do the job he was meant to for Inspiral!
And finally, I’d ask whether Shepherd’s ride on the Gredley’s heavily supported Too Friendly at Newmarket the other day was a factor.
It was not the best ride the jockey has ever given a horse, and he was hampered more than once before finishing second.
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That said, he was held on merit by the winner Hope You Can Run.
All reasonable questions. All remain unanswered. The whole situation is just a massive great shame.
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