Promising jockey Kieran Shoemark suspended following failed drugs test

Jockey Kieran Shoemark, one of racing's most promising young riders, is facing the prospect of a lengthy ban for a failed drugs test.

Shoemark, 22, has not ridden since November 24 and was replaced on his three booked rides at Kempton last Thursday when he was informed he had provided a sample containing a prohibited substance.

The failed test, believed to be for cocaine, comes just three months after Shoemark returned to riding following a horrendous fall at Lingfield in June in which he broke six ribs and punctured a lung.

Under the BHA's medical protocols, the rider has been handed an interim suspension from December 7 to December 28 inclusive pending a hearing of the judicial panel of the BHA. The governing body's regulations also have a guideline of six months for a ban relating to a first positive test for cocaine.

"It came as a big surprise to all of us here and I think it's a huge waste of a very talented jockey," said Shoemark's main employer Roger Charlton. "I have huge sympathy for him and particularly his family with this difficult time and a suspension of six months.

"I think these drug-related issues deserve understanding. I'm sure jockeys are put under quite a lot of pressures from having to diet to the fact he could have had a fatal injury at Lingfield in June, which involved a lot of pain and a slow comeback, so it wouldn't have helped with his weight and the situation.

"The PJA have understandably been very supportive and I understand he's in a good place for his rehab and I'm sure he'll be fighting very hard when we see him back."

As for whether he well welcome Shoemark back into the fold at Beckhampton, Charlton, who provided Shoemark with 111 of his 322 rides and 14 of his 32 winners in an injury-interrupted 2018, added: "I shall certainly do my best. It's too far down the line to know what the situation will be in six months time but I hope to be able to."

Roger Charlton: 'It's a huge waste'Credit: Matthew Webb

He also admitted Shoemark's suspension was a blow for the yard. "At this time of the year there's a lot of jockeys that aren't available, and there are a few two-year-olds to run. And in the summer when you get five or six meetings we'll miss him a lot."

In a statement, Paul Struthers, chief executive of the PJA, said: "Through the PJA, Kieran would like to sincerely apologise for his actions that led to the positive sample. In particular, we would like to apologise to Mr Charlton, the owners and team at Beckhampton Stables and his family.

"He accepts full responsibility for his mistakes and would also like to apologise to his colleagues and the wider sport. He is determined to face up to any issues he may have and with the support of his family and the PJA is already fully engaged with the support structures the PJA has in place.

"The PJA completely supports a robust anti-doping protocol for its members and the BHA has our full backing in enhancing the testing that already takes place. But like other player associations we believe it is important to have in place the necessary support structures for those members who want and need help. We can condemn the behaviour without condemning the individual."

He added: "We would request that his privacy and that of his family is respected whilst he is accessing the support he needs."

Robin Mounsey, the BHA's head of media, said: "Kieran Shoemark has been stood down from riding for an unspecified interim period while an investigation takes place. The BHA cannot comment further on the details of this investigation."

With the support of his main backer Roger Charlton, Shoemark made a strong return to the saddle, claiming the Group 3 Bengough Stakes on Projection at Ascot in October.

Charlton provided Shoemark with Royal Ascot success last year when the Godolphin-owned Atty Persse landed the King George V Stakes under an inspired ride, after which Charlton said: "His agent [Tony Hind] says he's the next Ryan Moore."

Kieren Shoemark wins the Bengough Stakes on Projection (near side)Credit: Alan Crowhurst

That Royal Ascot victory was the highlight of a memorable 2017 for Shoemark in which he rode 65 winners and collected £709,022 in win and place prize-money. He finished second by one winner to David Egan in the battle to be champion apprentice.

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