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Ryan Moore Replaced Kieran Shoemark to Ride Dancing Gemini in the £225,000 Group 1 Lockinge Stakes. The Decision Sparked Controversy Over Whether Moore Was Fit for the Job, Prompting Him to Speak Out and Silence the Press

In a bold and unexpected move that sent shockwaves through the British flat racing community, legendary jockey Ryan Moore was named as the replacement for Kieran Shoemark aboard Dancing Gemini in the prestigious £225,000 Group 1 Lockinge Stakes. While Moore’s status as one of the sport’s elite riders is undisputed, the timing and context of the decision raised eyebrows and triggered a heated public debate over whether he was the right man for the job.

The replacement came after Shoemark had been widely expected to retain the ride following a strong partnership with Dancing Gemini, including notable Group performances earlier in the season. Connections had praised his rapport with the horse, and Shoemark had expressed confidence about the upcoming Lockinge assignment. However, in a late twist, the owners and trainers opted for experience over familiarity — a decision that saw Moore, a multiple-time Classic and international Group 1 winner, take the reins.

The announcement triggered an outcry across social media and racing forums, with fans and analysts divided on the decision. Critics questioned whether Moore, despite his decorated career, could quickly establish chemistry with a horse he had never ridden under race conditions. Others raised concerns about his recent schedule, citing a grueling international travel routine that some felt might leave him physically and mentally fatigued ahead of one of the UK’s most competitive mile races.

Adding to the tension was the fact that Shoemark had recently been dropped as a retained rider for John and Thady Gosden’s powerful stable — a development that already had tongues wagging about stability and politics in the weighing room.

Moore, known for his quiet demeanor and general reluctance to engage in media speculation, broke from tradition to address the controversy head-on in a brief but pointed statement released through his publicist.

“I understand the questions being asked, but this is racing. Decisions are made for many reasons — form, experience, tactics. I respect Kieran [Shoemark] as a rider and professional. But when I accept a ride, I give it everything, and I’m more than ready for the Lockinge.”

His response, though measured, carried a tone of finality that seemed to deflate much of the criticism. Trainers and past collaborators also rallied in support. Aidan O’Brien, with whom Moore has achieved much of his greatest success, praised his tactical acumen and ability to handle pressure on the biggest stages.

“Ryan’s record speaks for itself. He prepares meticulously and knows how to bring the best out of horses in high-stakes races,” O’Brien told Racing Post. “There’s a reason why he’s trusted by the top stables around the world.”

As race day approached, the focus gradually shifted from controversy to competition. Dancing Gemini went into the Lockinge as a well-fancied contender, and all eyes were on Moore to justify the faith placed in him. Under cool, overcast conditions at Newbury, Moore delivered one of his trademark performances — holding the colt in a perfect stalking position before unleashing a powerful burst in the final furlong to secure second place behind the heavily favored Inspiral.

While the win eluded him, Moore’s composed and strategic ride helped Dancing Gemini achieve his best career finish in a Group 1, silencing many critics in the process. Shoemark, for his part, maintained a dignified silence and appeared at another meet later that weekend.

The incident, while short-lived, reignited long-standing conversations about loyalty, meritocracy, and pressure in the upper echelons of racing. Should riders who forge strong bonds with horses be guaranteed continuity? Or is the pursuit of marginal gains — even in the form of substituting jockeys — justifiable at the elite level?

For now, Moore’s performance has put the debate to rest, at least temporarily. With summer’s biggest fixtures on the horizon, and Dancing Gemini now firmly in the Group 1 spotlight, questions may yet arise again about who will ride the colt in future engagements. But one thing is certain: when the pressure mounts, Ryan Moore remains a rider who commands respect — even in the face of controversy