Victorious Callum Shepherd breaks down in tears after famous Royal Ascot victory as the Isle Of Jura winner recalls death of fellow jockey Stefano Cherchi in emotional scenes Callum Shepherd starred as he won the Hardwicke Stakes on day five at Ascot The Isla of Jura jockey was emotional as he crossed the finish line on Saturday Shepherd remembered former jockey Stefano Cherchi in his post-race speech By Dominic King Published: 22:30, 22 June 2024 | Updated: 01:00, 23 June 2024 e-mail View comments Callum Shepherd had just embarked on the trot back to paradise when it all became too much. He was eager to talk about the twin imposters of disappointment and elation but the enormity of the occasion led the dam to burst. Suddenly there were tears.
This had been a huge afternoon for the young jockey. He had ridden a fine race on Isle Of Jura, a gelding who has been expertly trained in Newmarket by George Scott, to land the Group Two Hardwicke Stakes at 16-1 on Royal Ascot ’s final day by three-and-three-quarter yawning lengths. As the pair crossed the line, Shepherd stood up in his irons and roared, shaking his whip frantically.
It was here all manner of thoughts came racing through his mind — the despair of losing a high-profile ride and the heartbreak of seeing a friend being taken too soon. Shepherd has been in the headlines recently after Bill Gredley, the owner of Ambiente Friendly who is trained by James Fanshawe, decided on a whim to take the 26-year-old off the progres.