Epsom Derby: Callum Shepherd loses Ambiente Friendly ride to Rab Havlin as owners opt for ‘more experience’ | Racing News
Callum Shepherd has suffered a major blow after being replaced by Rab Havlin for the ride on Ambiente Friendly in the Derby at Epsom next month.
Shepherd has ridden James Fanshawe’s colt in both starts this year, finishing fourth in the Listed Feilden Stakes at Newmarket before winning the Lingfield Derby Trial this month.
Owned by the Gredley Family, Ambiente Friendly is 4/1 with Sky Bet for the Classic on June 1.
Havlin, 50, will partner the three-year-old in a race for the first time and take his third ever Derby ride.
Speaking to the Racing Post, Tim Gredley said: “It’s a big call to make but we wanted to have more experience on the day.
Shepherd steers Ambiente Friendly to victory in the Derby Trial at Lingfield
“Dad [Bill Gredley] and I have had a chat with Callum and there has been no falling out. He’s ridden us plenty of winners but we thought Rab Havlin had more experience of a big occasion like the Derby which will be a big day for all of us.
“Rab has ridden winners for us and won the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes on Audience the other day which was a massive race to win.
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Trainer William Knight is staying loyal to Checkandchallenge’s regular rider Callum Shepherd as the pair both seek a first Group One victory in Sunday’s Prix d’Ispahan.
“I think Rab went in and had a sit on the horse for the first time this morning at James Fanshawe’s and we’re very much looking forward to the race.”
There was more positive news for Shepherd on Tuesday as trainer William Knight confirmed he would stay loyal to the jockey for Sunday’s Group One ride on Checkandchallenge in the Prix d’Ispahan at ParisLongchamp, live on Sky Sports Racing.
