Ryan Moore returned to the Shergar Cup after a two‑decade hiatus and instantly made his mark, delivering a double triumph for the Great Britain and Ireland squad. Not only did his team clinch the overall team title, but Moore also secured the individual accolade, the coveted Silver Saddle, by amassing the highest point total across the six races. Moore’s previous appearance at the event dates back to 2006, when he rode the winning horse in the Silver Saddle competition.
Since then his career has largely been centred on Group One rides in Ireland, leaving little opportunity to take part in the team‑based meeting. However, when the schedule was rearranged and the meeting was moved forward by 24 hours, Moore found himself free to travel to Ascot, delighting the crowd with his classic riding style. The final standings saw Team Great Britain and Ireland finish on 81 points, comfortably ahead of Team Hong Kong, which managed 62 points.
Moore’s personal tally of 47 points was enough to outpace every other rider and claim the individual award. Moore opened his day with a win on Dylan Cunha’s Asgard’s Captain, a 13‑to‑2 outsider that proved tenacious enough to hold on for a length and a quarter ahead of Yutake Take on Sportingsilvermine, representing the Rest of the World.
After the race Moore praised the horse’s straightforward nature, saying, “Dylan told me he can be a little lazy, but his attitude is simple – just get through the race and give it his best. It was a straightforward ride.” He added that the owners would be thrilled with the result, noting that they had been eager for a victory all week.
In the penultimate race, the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Classic, Moore rode Marco Botti’s Archers Bay, a 5‑to‑2 contender, to a textbook performance. He surged clear in the final stages, finishing three and a quarter lengths ahead of Christophe Lemaire on King Of Berkshire for Team Europe. Moore’s composure in the race reflected his experience from earlier in the season when he contested the Italian Derby, confirming his status as a class act on the international stage. The Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Mile saw Moore finish third aboard Ozat, behind Crown Board, a 10‑to‑1 horse ridden by Frida Valle Skar for Team Europe.
By that point, Team Europe was no longer in contention for the overall team prize, but Moore’s steady ride added valuable points to the GB & Ireland tally. Among the supporting riders, Saffie Osborne shone in the sprint. Riding Tim Easterby’s Red Spells Danger, the 2‑to‑1 favourite, she delivered a decisive victory in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Sprint. Osborne, a three‑time leader in the Racing League, captained a young group that included Moore and Dylan Browne McMonagle for the GB & Ireland team.
Reflecting on her performance, she said, “I heard a few people doubting this horse today, but the track suited him perfectly and he proved them wrong. It feels great to make Ryan laugh a couple of times – that’s a win for me as well!” Team Hong Kong set an early tempo by winning the first two races. In the opening dash, 26‑year‑old jockey Jerry Chau partnered Tuco Salamanca to a clear‑cut victory. Chau, representing a team making its Shergar Cup debut, guided the four‑year‑old to the front in the final furlong, pulling away to beat Gold Star Hero, ridden by teammate Vincent Ho, by a length and a half.
Chau told Sky Sports Racing, “It felt amazing crossing the line. No words can describe winning at Ascot – I grew up watching Ryan Moore on YouTube and have always wanted to emulate him.” Luke Ferraris, another Hong Kong rider, made his mark in the Stayers’ race. After his teammates secured the first two positions, Ferraris rode the Ian Williams‑trained 17‑to‑2 outsider Dancing In Paris. He timed his run perfectly, catching Moore’s mount, Andrew Balding’s Shrimp Shady, in the final stretch to win by a length, with Mountain Road finishing third for the Rest of the World.
Ferraris commented, “That was phenomenal – the horse was fitter than me and gave a great turn of foot. I’ve only ridden a two‑mile race in recent years, so it was a nice change.
We have a strong group of young Hong Kong riders, and I hope we keep improving.” Overall, the Shergar Cup at Ascot highlighted the depth of talent across the participating nations. Moore’s return added a narrative of experience meeting youthful vigor, as he guided the GB & Ireland squad to a commanding victory while also showcasing his personal brilliance. The event also provided a platform for emerging jockeys like Osborne, Chau, and Ferraris to demonstrate their skill on a world stage, reinforcing the Shergar Cup’s reputation as a showcase of international horseracing talent.
Beyond the races themselves, the competition fostered camaraderie among riders from diverse backgrounds. The atmosphere at Ascot was electric, with fans cheering for both team strategies and individual heroics. As the final points were tallied, the applause for Moore’s Silver Saddle echoed throughout the stands, a testament to his enduring legacy and the excitement he continues to bring to the sport.
The Shergar Cup’s format, which pits teams from different regions against each other, encourages a spirit of cooperation and friendly rivalry. This year’s edition proved that even after a 20‑year absence, a seasoned jockey like Ryan Moore can still influence the outcome, inspire teammates, and entertain a global audience. The triumph of Great Britain and Ireland will be remembered not only for the points on the board but also for the stories of perseverance, teamwork, and the sheer joy of racing that unfolded over the six‑race series.