Kieran Shoemark: my thoughts on Almaqam and Ten Bob Tony
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Thu 15 Oct 2026
Kieran Shoemark expects a more mature and polished Almaqam to play a leading role in Saturday’s star-studded Qatar Racing Champion Stakes at Ascot.
Ed Walker’s stable star has always been a high-class operator but has arguably taken his form to the next level this term, registering a maiden Group One triumph in Ireland in May and only narrowly failing to supplement that when edged out by Item in the Juddmonte International at York.
Fourth in the Irish Champion Stakes when last seen, he now returns to the race he was a gallant third in behind the reopposing Calandagan and Ombudsman last year, with the colt’s big-race pilot intrigued to see if he can enhance that finishing position and end a fine campaign on a high.
Shoemark said: “I was hoping there might have been a bit more juice in the ground as that might have scared off Ombudsman and Calandagan, but I’m looking forward to getting on him and I think he’s a better horse than when he was third last year.
“That’s a credit to Ed minding him and he’s thriving as a five-year-old. He likes Ascot and we know the course suits him so ultimately I’m looking forward to it.
“He’s fresh and well, and his work has been good. Leopardstown probably wasn’t the ideal track for him, but Ascot will suit him better.”
Shoemark will also be aboard his Royal Ascot hero Ten Bob Tony for Walker in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes as the five-year-old returns to the scene of his Queen Anne Stakes triumph in the summer.
Since that 50-1 surprise victory, he has performed with credit in a plethora of top-level assignments and as such his odds are much shorter as he returns to Berkshire with his profile still climbing.
“Arguably at the beginning of the year you could say he was a Group Three horse at best and all he’s done since winning the Queen Anne is back it up. He’s racked up some placed efforts in Group Ones and been narrowly defeated in a Moulin,” Shoemark said.
“It’s proper form and he’s a top-class older miler now.
“It’s surprised everybody but he’s top quality and he has a win and you’re in for the Breeders’ Cup as well, so that could also be on the table (after this).”
READ THESE NEXT:
2026 Qatar Racing British Champions Day: watch every race LIVE on Racing TV!
Racing TV encourages responsible gambling - to find out more click here to head to our dedicated website page.
Related posts
Saturday ante-post tips: 33-1, 16-1 and 12-1 Ascot selections
Harry Skelton: my ten to follow this Jumps season
Ryan Moore: the inside track on my Champions Day rides
Champions Day 2026: your essential guide
Dave Nevison's Thursday tips: "I anticipate a strong run"
Featured offers
Bet £20 and Get £40 in Free Bets with Unibet
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
18+. GambleAware.org. New GB customers only. Min £20 debit card or instant banking transfer deposit. Place a £20+ bet on Horse Racing at min odds 2/5 (1.4) each leg for 4x £10 Free Bets (can be used on Racing Bet Builder). Claim within 30 days. Valid for Horse Racing only. Geographical restrictions and Further T&C’s apply
Get 50% back up to £50 with QuinnBet
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
New UK Customers Only. Bet £10+ on any sportsbook markets at odds of evens (2.00) or greater. Get 50% back of your first day’s losses as a Free Bet up to £50, valid for 7 days. 18+ GambleAware.
Bet £10 get £40 in free bets with Kwiff
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
New UK customers. Place a £10 real money bet at min. 2.0 odds within 5 days of deposit. Get 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1 Single, 2 Accas & 1 Bet Builder (min. 3 selections each). Excludes cashout, E/W, Multis, Ineligible Markets & Odds Boosts. Credited after bet settlement. 7-day expiry. T&Cs apply. 18+ GambleAware
Bet £10 get £30 in Free Bets with talkSPORT BET
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
New Customers. Opt in, deposit and bet £10+ on any horse racing markets within 7 days of sign up. Get 3 x £10 Free Bets for set horse racing markets. Bonuses expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. 18+ GambleAware
Copyright 2026 Racing TV - All Rights Reserved.
Please bet responsibly
Copyright 2026. All rights reserved