Ryan Moore made a spectacular return to the Shergar Cup after a two‑decade hiatus, delivering a double triumph that saw his Great Britain and Ireland squad clinch the overall team title while he himself secured the individual Silver Saddle award for the best rider across the six races. Moore first tasted success at the event back in 2006, when he rode to victory on the Silver Saddle in what turned out to be his final appearance for many years.
Since then his commitments have largely centred on top‑level Group One rides in Ireland, which meant the Ascot meeting was often out of reach. When the meeting was rescheduled just 24 hours before the start, however, Moore found himself free to travel, and the Ascot crowd were treated to a masterclass performance. Great Britain and Ireland amassed a winning total of 81 points, comfortably ahead of Team Hong Kong, who finished second with 62 points.
Moore’s personal haul of 47 points was enough to see him crowned the event’s leading rider, earning him the coveted Silver Saddle. His first win came aboard Dylan Cunha’s Asgard’s Captain, a 13‑to‑2 outsider that he guided to a decisive one‑and‑a‑quarter‑length victory in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Challenge. The horse held his nerve and stayed on task, beating Yutake Take on Sportingsilvermine, who was 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 he has a simple, uncomplicated attitude. It was easy to get him focused and the result speaks for itself. It’s wonderful to give the owners a win they were hoping for.” In the penultimate race, the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Classic, Moore delivered a textbook ride on Marco Botti’s Archers Bay, a 5‑to‑2 contender. He timed his run perfectly, pulling away in the final stages to finish three and a quarter lengths clear of Christophe Lemaire’s King Of Berkshire, representing Team Europe.
Having previously contested the Italian Derby earlier in the season, Moore’s performance underscored his class and experience on the international stage. The final race of the meeting, the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Mile, saw Moore finish third on Ozat, trailing the 10‑to‑1 Crown Board, ridden by Frida Valle Skar, for Team Europe.
By that point Team Europe was no longer in contention for the overall trophy, but Moore’s consistency across the day helped cement his individual accolade. The event also highlighted the depth of talent within the Great Britain and Ireland team. Young jockey Saffie Osborne thrived in the team environment, taking the win in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Sprint on Tim Easterby’s Red Spells Danger, a 2‑to‑1 favourite. Osborne, who has been the leading rider in the Racing League on three occasions, captained a squad that included Moore and fellow Irish rider Dylan Browne McMonagle.
She reflected on her ride, saying, “I heard a few people doubting this horse today, but the track suited him perfectly and he delivered. I’m just glad I got my act together. Looking at the calibre of jockeys here—Ryan Moore, Ireland’s champion jockey—it’s incredible.
The win meant I could make Ryan laugh a couple of times, so I’m very happy.” Team Hong Kong, making its debut at the Shergar Cup, started the meeting strongly, winning the first two races. In the opening dash, 26‑year‑old Jerry Chau partnered Tuco Salamanca to a clear‑cut victory. Chau, who grew up watching Moore’s rides on YouTube, described the feeling of crossing the finish line first as “amazing” and said, “No words can describe riding a winner at Ascot.
I’ve always admired Ryan Moore, and to share a win on the same day is a dream come true.” Tuco Salamanca, a 4‑to‑1 shot, accelerated in the final furlong to beat Gold Star Hero, ridden by Chau’s teammate Vincent Ho, by a length and a half. The Rest of the World’s Fandom and Suraj Narredu filled the third place. Luke Ferraris soon added to Hong Kong’s tally, securing the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Stayers on the Ian Williams‑trained 17‑to‑2 outsider Dancing In Paris.
Ferraris produced a late surge to edge out Moore’s mount, Shrimp Shady (trained by Andrew Balding), by a length, with Mountain Road finishing third for Yutake Take and the Rest of the World. Ferraris commented, “It was phenomenal; the horse was fitter than I expected.
He didn’t settle as well as he could have, but he showed 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 riders representing Hong Kong, and I hope we continue to improve.” Overall, the Shergar Cup at Ascot proved to be a showcase of international talent, strategic teamwork, and thrilling finishes. Moore’s return added a narrative of redemption and excellence, while the emergence of new faces like Osborne, Chau, and Ferraris signalled a bright future for the sport. The event’s blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars created a memorable spectacle for the Ascot crowd and for viewers worldwide, reaffirming the Shergar Cup’s reputation as one of the most exciting team‑based horse‑racing festivals on the calendar.