Skip to content

Ambiente Friendly: Callum Shepherd keen to move on from Betfred Derby firing

Callum Shepherd is keen to move on from the media furore that followed him losing the ride on Derby contender Ambiente Friendly to Lockinge winner Rab Havlin

Callum Shepherd
Image: Callum Shepherd

Callum Shepherd stated he just wants to let his riding do the talking after being jocked off Betfred Derby second-favourite Ambiente Friendly.

Owners Bill and Tim Gredley informed Shepherd earlier this week they wanted to replace him on the impressive Lingfield Derby Trial winner with the more experienced Rab Havlin.

Speaking after partnering Isle Of Jura to win the feature race at Goodwood on Friday, Shepherd told Racing TV: "It's obviously disappointing and it's been a challenging week but there's not really anything more to say than that.

Royal Ascot - live on Sky Sports Racing!
Royal Ascot - live on Sky Sports Racing!

Watch every race from Royal Ascot, all live on Sky Sports Racing from Tuesday 18th June to Saturday 22nd June

"My part in the Derby story is now over, as much as I don't want it to be, I'm going to have to live with that. I obviously have a lot of respect for Rab and it is his time.

"It's a time when you are slightly vulnerable but I did get a lot of supportive messages, probably more than I expected and from a real diverse range of people, from people that I wouldn't have thought would reach out, but I do appreciate that because it is tough.

Get racing news on your phone
Get racing news on your phone

Never miss a story with all the latest racing news, interviews and features on your phone. Find out more

"As far as social media is concerned, you see both sides of it but perhaps it has spoken more in my favour this week, but it can be an ugly thing and it's not something I want to take too much time thinking of.

Latest Racing Stories

"I just want to let my riding do the talking - I'll be just fine, you watch me!"

Follow Sky Sports Racing on Twitter
Follow Sky Sports Racing on Twitter

See the latest horse racing news, interviews and features from Sky Sports Racing

Around Sky