SportHorse racingEclipse StakesThe top jockey overstepped the mark when fighting out a photo-finish with Item in Wednesday’s £1.5 million feature at York on the big race runner-up14:54, 21 Aug 2026Kieran Shoemark broke the whip rules when steering Almaqam to a career-best performance in the £1.5 million Juddmonte International.‌The Ed Walker-trained Almaqam lined up in one of the most anticipated races of the year in which defending champion Ombudsman was meeting Aidan O’Brien’s best three-year-old colt, the unbeaten French 2,000 Guineas, French Derby and Eclipse Stakes-winning colt Constitution River.‌The bookies could barely split the pair who were expected to duel for the spoils of a race which is annually voted best horse in the world. But while the Aidan O’Brien-trained Constitution River and Godolphin’s Ombudsman, plus their pacemakers, fought their own private battle, they were completely upstaged by two previously lesser lights.‌Ryan Moore made the first move on Constitution River was soon overhauled by Almaqam, ridden by Shoemark, who kicked clear into what looked like a winning advantage with two furlongs to race.But his lead was gradually reducing as Item closed in the last 110 yards and got level to nail Almaqam near the line and win by a head.Walker said afterwards: "It's a hard one to take," Walker said. "It looked like he had it.‌"I'm not one for celebrating before they pass the line and I'm glad I didn't today. It was a tough one but it was a great race and great to be involved in it. He's a wonderful horse, we've always believed he was up to this level and he's really doing it this year when he gets his conditions."There was a sting in the tail for Shoemark who was referred to the BHA’s Whip Review Committee by the York stewards.‌The panel met on Friday and ruled: “Kieran Shoemark, the rider of ALMAQAM, placed second, was found to have used his whip once above the permitted level of six from approximately two furlongs.“Allowing for the fact that Shoemark has had more than 100 rides in Great Britain since his previous whip breach, mitigation on penalty was applied, but taking into account that this was a Class 1 race, the penalty in respect of being above permitted level was doubled.Article continues below“He will be suspended for 6 days from Friday 04 to Wednesday 09 September 2026, inclusive.”Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Ryan MooreBritish Horseracing AuthorityEclipse StakesHorsesYork Racecourse