'I put my family through hell - but I hope I've repaid them in some small way'
Kieran Shoemark talks about addiction, redemption, loyalty and Lady Bowthorpe
The story of Kieran Shoemark had the potential to become a tragedy. A tragedy of talent wasted, opportunities squandered, youthful promise unfulfilled, or perhaps far, far worse. Racing has had its share of those tales but they become no easier to bear for their familiarity.
'Young man does well, discovers booze, disappears down the pan,' is not a new plot line. Throw in the modern predilection for drugs and you have all the ingredients for something dark and with an unhappy ending.
Which was why the final chapter of last month's Nassau Stakes, with its groundswell of tears, jubilation and communal outpouring, made for such a joyous occasion.
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Published on inInterviews
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Copy- 'It's tough financially and last year I said I might get a job driving a lorry instead - although to be fair I'd probably crash!'
- 'I'm not here to tell people how to train but if you hide something from me, I'm gone, I'm done - and you won't see me again'
- 'I had to fly back from Saudi on the day for the awards before flying back the following day but it really was a great evening'
- 'The lads often give out to me for saying what I say - but if I didn't say what I thought I wouldn't be being true to myself'
- 'All anyone wants is a pat on the back and these awards show you mean something to the yard and the people there. It's brilliant'
- 'It's tough financially and last year I said I might get a job driving a lorry instead - although to be fair I'd probably crash!'
- 'I'm not here to tell people how to train but if you hide something from me, I'm gone, I'm done - and you won't see me again'
- 'I had to fly back from Saudi on the day for the awards before flying back the following day but it really was a great evening'
- 'The lads often give out to me for saying what I say - but if I didn't say what I thought I wouldn't be being true to myself'
- 'All anyone wants is a pat on the back and these awards show you mean something to the yard and the people there. It's brilliant'