GUTTED Callum Shepherd has admitted he is ‘very disappointed’ to lose the ride on Ambiente Friendly in the Derby.
The horse’s owners have called up experienced Rab Havlin to partner the 4-1 second favourite on Saturday week.
The shock switch, first revealed to be under consideration by Sun Racing, has been met with surprise by many in the sport but Shepherd has kept his response to the decision short and sweet.
The jockey told Sun Racing: “Obviously I’m very disappointed.
“And I haven’t got any further comment to make.”
Havlin sat on the horse for the first time this morning on the gallops in Newmarket.
Havlin, 50, said the call from owner Tim Gredley came out the blue.
Havlin is two from two in the Gredley silks this month but his record at Epsom pales in comparison to Shepherd’s.
The jockey, No2 to John Gosden, said: “It was a lovely surprise to pick the ride up and obviously I’ve got a lot of sympathy for Callum, I’ve been in that situation myself, as have plenty of other people.
“Unfortunately in this game it happens from the top to the bottom and somebody’s good luck is always someone else’s bad luck.”
Matt Chapman was among those speaking of their complete shock at the Gredley Family’s decision.
Shepherd delivered a peach of a ride on James Fanshawe’s stable star when winning the Listed Derby Trial at Lingfield earlier this month.
Sun Racing columnist Chapman wrote: “As always an owner can do what they want, but I can’t think of a jockey change more hard to comprehend than @CallumSheppy off Ambiente Friendly.
“His record at @EpsomRacecourse recently excellent. Totally stunned by @UnexCompetition decision.
“In my opinion utter insanity.”
City Of Troy heads the betting for the Epsom Classic at 7-4 despite his 2,000 Guineas flop.
A decision is yet to be made on Economics’ participation in the race.
Owner Sheikh Isa has until Monday to stump up £75,000 if the runaway Dante winner is to take part at Epsom.
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