A ‘JOCKING OFF’ storm has engulfed the Derby with Frankie Dettori’s best mate Rab Havlin pinching the ride on major hope Ambiente Friendly.
Trainer James Fanshawe’s massive 5-1 chance had Callum Shepherd in the saddle when he won the Listed Derby Trial at Lingfield earlier this month.
But Shepherd has been axed in favour of 50-year-old Havlin for the world’s most famous Flat race – sparking fury from punters.
Sun Racing told you Havlin, who sealed a shock 22-1 Lockinge win on Audience last weekend, was being considered by Ambiente Friendly’s owners.
They confirmed they have now opted for Havlin – who has two Group 1 victories to his name – over Shepherd because he has ‘more experience’.
Trainer Fanshawe kept his cards close to his chest when exclusively discussing possible jockeys for his top horse with Sun Racing.
But Tim Gredley of owners the Gredley Family confirmed to the Racing Post that Havlin would be in the saddle.
He said: “It’s a big call to make but we wanted to have more experience on the day.
“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.”
Havlin himself 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.
“My main interest now is to find out as much about the horse as possible before next Saturday.”
Havlin, whose best finish in two attempts in the Derby was seventh on 33-1 Humanitarian in 2019, was filmed atop Ambiente Friendly on Wednesday morning.
ITV Racing presenter Leonna Mayor was among those slating the decision that cost Shepherd his shot at the big time.
She wrote: “Imagine smashing out your work. And being so happy etc and then you get the sack (love Rab and Callum nothing to do with preference for either)!
“Just no loyalty at all! Bizarre! Hate this decision!”
While Sky Sports Racing host and commentator Tony Ennis said: “What a terrible, terrible decision. Callum is a fine rider.”
This is not the first jocking off row to hit the build-up to the Derby.
Tom Marquand famously lost the ride on Derby favourite English King to Frankie Dettori in 2020 only for the horse to finish fifth.
While former Irish champion apprentice Gavin Ryan was also jocked off in favour of Dettori on Piz Badile in 2022.
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