Kieran Shoemark looking forward to 'very bright' 2025 as Gosdens' number one as he prepares for big ride in $1 million Bahrain Trophy

Kieran Shoemark is eager to cap his eventful first full season as John and Thady Gosden's main jockey with delight in the Bahraini desert, but already has his eyes firmly set on delivering the yard even more big-race glory next year.

Shoemark took over as the Gosdens' number one rider following Frankie Dettori's move to the US late last year, but his role came under scrutiny during the summer, including after his defeat on Emily Upjohn at Glorious Goodwood, despite being repeatedly backed by the yard. Shoemark rode the mare on her next two starts at York and Longchamp, but was replaced by Dettori for her swansong in the Breeders' Cup at Del Mar earlier this month.

However, he silenced his doubters with a Group 1 victory on Friendly Soul in the Prix de l'Opera last month, as well as landing the Group 3 Darley Stakes on Lead Artist, who he partners in Friday's $1 million (£785,000/€945,624) Bahrain International Trophy. The fine end to his campaign in Britain has also left Shoemark relishing a further step up in 2025 for the Clarehaven team.