Our ambassador Hollie Doyle, who topped the rider rankings at the 2023 Shergar Cup, will dominate Saturday's international showdown at Ascot, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. Welsh trainer Chris Mason is thrilled to have a horse entered in this year’s Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup, and his supporters in Monmouth will be cheering loudly on Saturday night if All Ways Glamorous captures the opening Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Dash (1.35) at Ascot.
The five‑year‑old, representing Team Europe, already boasts a course‑and‑distance victory after stepping up from a five‑pound lower rating just two weeks ago, and he should provide French rider Marie Velon with a solid ride and valuable experience. Team Europe’s Bolo Neighs appears ready to move into the lead after finishing strongly in the same race on his previous outing, although he still has work to do to turn the tables on his rivals. Meanwhile, Ryan Moore can be counted on to extract the best performance from his old friend Spartan Arrow, a horse that has been contributing points for Great Britain and Ireland throughout the competition. The promising youngster Shrimp Shady is another horse to watch, as he has the potential to deliver a maximum haul of points for Great Britain and Ireland in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Stayers (2.10).
Andrew Balding’s four‑year‑old has already secured victories in major marathon handicaps at Chester and Newbury this summer, and the two‑mile test at Ascot looks tailor‑made for him. Ryan Moore is slated for yet another attractive ride on this well‑conditioned runner. Europe, who have not lifted the Shergar Cup since their back‑to‑back triumphs in 2013 and 2014, are also well represented.
Ian Williams‑trained Hermetic, who finished fourth at Newcastle under the elegant Christophe Lemaire, could build on that form. The former French‑trained winner may be well placed off a mark of 81.
It was encouraging to see Richard and Peter Fahey return from the cold list at Southwell on Thursday, arriving just in time for Castle Stuart’s participation in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Challenge (2.45). Hong Kong, competing as a team for the first time, have a reliable four‑year‑old on their roster.
The horse has been unlucky to encounter two improving Roger Varian runners at York earlier this summer, but South African jockey Luke Ferraris—well known in China—should be able to get the most out of the mount. Ian Williams also has Irish champion Dylan Browne McMonagle aboard his likely favourite Night Breeze, a consistent performer who placed a respectable third at Goodwood.
Night Breeze will need a career‑best effort to win, which could leave him slightly vulnerable. Two years ago Rachel King rode Insanity to victory, and the same horse could repeat the feat under Europe’s Velon. Never miss a story – get the latest racing news, interviews and features on your phone. Find out more.
Thunder Call, who struggled with Newmarket’s undulating terrain on his last outing, could rediscover his winning form for the Hong Kong team in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Sprint (3.20). Trained by William Haggas, the sprinter previously delivered a classy win at York and appears perfectly suited to the sharp finish at Ascot, with British debutant jockey Jerry Chau in the saddle. One horse to keep an eye on is Great Britain and Ireland’s Cape Ashizuri, who was relatively unexposed and ran a disappointing race in a large field on his last start.
Trainers John and Sean Quinn will be pleased to have McMonagle aboard for this plate. Italian trainer Marco Botti, based in Newmarket, can add valuable points for Great Britain and Ireland in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Classic (3.55). His runner Archers Bay, another strong prospect for Ryan Moore, has been competing against the likes of Ancient Egypt and Heraldry since his victory at Newmarket, a form line that stands out despite the overall renewal not appearing particularly strong. Team‑mate Hoseki is on a roll after securing a hat‑trick in a course‑and‑distance fillies’ race under a light weight.
It remains to be seen how much further she can improve from a five‑pound higher mark. A more intriguing option could be Jessie Harrington’s Pierre Grosse, a maiden who brings solid form to the race and will be wearing cheekpieces for the first time. See the latest horse racing news, interviews and features from Sky Sports Racing.
The final leg, the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Mile (4.30), could prove decisive in determining which side lifts the trophy this year. Europe’s Bullet Point is the horse I expect to capitalize on the situation. Christophe Lemaire will partner William Haggas’ gelding, who is making his debut in the sheepskin after missing top form in his two starts this season.
He carries only a pound more than when he won a major handicap at York’s Ebor Festival a year ago. I also favour the Rest of the World’s EBT’s Guard, a proven course‑and‑distance winner who has performed admirably in big handicaps at Royal Ascot and Sandown.
He could be a major asset for Indian ace Suraj Narredu, who helped Team Asia secure the competition last year. The Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup has provided some of my most memorable days on the racecourse, and I am eager to watch the action unfold before what promises to be another enthusiastic crowd at Ascot. I have been fortunate enough to ride three winners in the competition, including a double three years ago when I was presented with the Alistair Haggis Silver Saddle Trophy for the highest points scorer. I was part of the winning team in 2023 and again in 2018, and I can attest that lifting that cup is an incredible buzz.
Team competition is a rarity for jockeys, so the rivalry on the turf this Saturday will be fierce and exciting.