Ryan Moore marked his comeback to the Shergar Cup with a spectacular double, steering the Great Britain and Ireland squad to triumph in the team competition while also clinching the individual Silver Saddle award for the highest‑scoring rider across the six races. After a two‑decade hiatus, Moore returned to the Ascot showdown with a renewed vigor that delighted the crowd and underscored his status as one of the sport’s most versatile jockeys. Moore first made his mark in the opening race, piloting Dylan Cunha’s Asgard’s Captain, a 13‑to‑2 outsider, to a decisive one‑and‑a‑quarter‑length victory in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Challenge. The win gave the Rest of the World team a strong start and set the tone for the day.
After the race, Moore praised the horse’s straightforward nature, saying, "Dylan mentioned he could be a little lazy, but his attitude is uncomplicated, so it was easy to get him focused and deliver a win. It’s wonderful for the owners, who have been looking forward to this moment." The British‑Irish contingent soon pulled ahead in the standings, amassing 81 points to finish well clear of Team Hong Kong, which collected 62 points. Moore’s personal haul of 47 points proved enough to secure the coveted Silver Saddle, confirming his dominance across the event’s varied distances and surfaces.
In the penultimate contest, the Shergar Cup Classic, Moore rode Marco Botti’s Archers Bay, a 5‑to‑2 contender, to a textbook performance. He guided the colt through the final furlongs, pulling away by three and a quarter lengths from Christophe Lemaire’s King Of Berkshire, representing Team Europe. The win highlighted Moore’s ability to adapt his riding style to different horses and race conditions, a skill he honed after competing in the Italian Derby earlier in the season.
The final race, the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Mile, saw Moore finish third aboard Ozat, behind the Frida Valle‑ridden Crown Board, a 10‑to‑1 outsider. Although Team Europe was no longer in contention for the overall title, Moore’s consistent placings throughout the day reinforced his reputation as a reliable point‑scorer in team formats. Among the supporting riders, Saffie Osborne shone in the sprint, delivering a winning ride on Tim Easterby’s Red Spells Danger, a 2‑to‑1 favorite. Osborne, a three‑time leader in the Racing League, captained the British‑Irish squad alongside Moore and Dylan Browne‑McMonagle.
She reflected on her performance, noting, "I heard some doubts about this horse, but the track suited him perfectly. I’m glad I got the timing right. Watching the calibre of jockeys here, especially Ryan and Ireland’s champion, is inspiring. I even managed to make Ryan laugh a couple of times, which was a nice bonus." Team Hong Kong, making its Shergar Cup debut, set an early pace by winning the first two races.
Young jockey Jerry Chau partnered Tuco Salamanca to a clear‑cut victory in the Shergar Cup Dash, delivering a seamless ride that saw the 4‑to‑1 colt accelerate in the final furlong to beat Gold Star Hero by a length and a half. Chau, 26, expressed his excitement, saying, "It felt amazing crossing the line. No words can describe winning at Ascot. I grew up watching Ryan Moore on YouTube, so this moment is surreal." Luke Ferraris added another win for Hong Kong in the Stayers race, taking the Ian Williams‑trained 17‑to‑2 outsider Dancing In Paris to the finish line ahead of Moore’s rival, Andrew Balding’s Shrimp Shady.
Ferraris commented, "It was phenomenal; the horse was fitter than I expected and showed a great turn of foot despite a slightly unsettled start. Riding a two‑mile race is a change for me, but the young Hong Kong riders are proving themselves, and I hope we continue to improve." The event also featured notable headlines beyond the races themselves.
Hollie Doyle was highlighted for her potential impact on the Shergar Cup, while Kevin Doyle, a former Premier League striker, pursued Cheltenham Festival success with Augusta Kate and La Bague Au Roi. In other news, Kalpana triumphed over Calandagan in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, and Ryan Moore received an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours, underscoring his contributions to British sport. Overall, the Shergar Cup at Ascot showcased a blend of seasoned champions and emerging talent, with Moore’s return serving as a focal point for the day’s drama. His ability to deliver wins across different race types, combined with his leadership in the points tally, helped Great Britain and Ireland secure the team title and cemented his status as one of the sport’s most accomplished jockeys.
The event’s mix of international riders, diverse racing styles, and high‑stakes competition provided a compelling narrative that will be remembered by fans and participants alike.