Royal Ascot 2024: George Scott and Callum Shepherd Aim for Glory

Newmarket trainer George Scott and jockey Callum Shepherd are gearing up for another thrilling week at Royal Ascot. The duo made headlines last year when Isle Of Jura clinched the Hardwicke Stakes, and they are eager to recreate that magic this year.

Scott, who has been training for a decade, is bringing a strong team of nine or ten horses from his Eve Lodge Stables. "I'm just excited to take a bunch of horses there in this form - this is the first time we've taken a proper team," he told BBC Look East.

A Special Moment

Last year's victory was particularly poignant for Shepherd, who dedicated the win to his late friend and fellow jockey Stefano Cherchi. "It's the best moment I've ever had on a horse, the best moment I've ever had in sport," Shepherd said. The win set the tone for a successful second half of the season, with victories in Dubai, Bahrain, and the German St Leger.

A Strong Partnership

The partnership between Scott and Shepherd has been a key factor in their success. "We really do have an excellent working relationship. We've had success all over the world now and we understand each other very well," Shepherd noted. Scott added, "We knit together nicely. We're lucky to have Callum. It's really been the perfect pair."

Leading Contenders

Among Scott's horses, Staya is a strong contender for the Queen Mary Stakes. "She's only run once and won very impressively at Yarmouth," Scott said. Another horse to watch is Gaga Mate in the Windsor Castle Stakes. "He seems very uncomplicated. You can see with him, he's moving well," Scott added.

Looking Ahead

Royal Ascot begins on Tuesday, and both Scott and Shepherd are optimistic. "I go into it with a lot of excitement. There's a lot of live chances," Shepherd said. With a strong team and a proven track record, the duo is ready to make their mark once again at this prestigious event.