Our ambassador Hollie Doyle, who topped the rider standings at the 2023 Shergar Cup, will dominate Saturday’s international showdown at Ascot, broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. Doyle’s reputation as a leading jockey adds an extra layer of excitement to the event, and her presence is expected to set the tone for a fiercely contested day. Welsh trainer Chris Mason is thrilled to have a representative in this year’s Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup, and his supporters in the village of Monmouth will be cheering loudly on Saturday night if his horse All Ways Glamorous claims the opening Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Dash (1.35) at Ascot. The five‑year‑old, racing for Team Europe, has already secured a course‑and‑distance victory after stepping up from a five‑pound lower rating just two weeks ago.
That win not only demonstrates the horse’s ability to handle the demanding Ascot straight but also gives French jockey Marie Velon a valuable platform to showcase her riding talent. Team Europe’s Bolo Neighs looks poised to make an early impact after finishing strongly in the same race last time out. Although he still needs to sharpen his finishing kick, the horse’s recent form suggests he could turn the tables on his rivals.
Meanwhile, veteran jockey Ryan Moore is expected to extract the maximum from his long‑time partner Spartan Arrow, a proven point‑scorer for Great Britain and Ireland. Spartan Arrow has been in fine form this season and should add valuable points to the GB&I tally. Young sprinter Shrimp Shady, a promising talent, is slated to contest the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Stayers (2.10) for Great Britain and Ireland.
The colt’s youthful vigor and improving stamina make him a strong candidate to deliver a high‑scoring performance over the two‑mile distance. Similarly, Andrew Balding’s four‑year‑old, who has already triumphed in major marathon handicaps at Chester and Newbury this summer, appears tailor‑made for the demanding two‑mile trip. Ryan Moore will again be aboard, hoping to secure another lucrative ride for the team. Europe, which has not lifted the Shergar Cup since their back‑to‑back victories in 2013 and 2014, is well represented by Ian Williams‑trained Hermetic.
Hermetic, a former French winner, is expected to build on his fourth‑place finish at Newcastle under the elegant guidance of Christophe Lemaire. With a current rating of 81, the horse is positioned to be a serious contender in the competition. It was encouraging to see Richard and Peter Fahey return from the cold list at Southwell on Thursday, just in time for Castle Stuart’s entry in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Challenge (2.45). Their experience adds depth to the field and could prove decisive in the tightly contested race.
Hong Kong makes its debut as a full team this year, and their hopes rest on a reliable four‑year‑old who suffered two setbacks against rising Roger Varian horses at York earlier in the summer. South African jockey Luke Ferraris, a familiar face in the Chinese circuit, will be tasked with coaxing the best performance from the horse. Ian Williams also has Irish champion Dylan Browne McMonagle on board for what many consider his favorite, Night Breeze. The consistent runner placed a respectable third at Goodwood but will need a career‑best effort to secure victory, leaving him slightly vulnerable to a late surge.
Two years ago, Rachel King’s Insanity captured attention, and a similar upset could be on the cards under Europe’s Velon. Never miss a story with the latest racing news, interviews, and features on your phone. Find out more.
Thunder Call, who struggled with Newmarket’s undulating terrain on his previous outing, is eager to rebound for the Hong Kong squad in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Sprint (3.20). Trained by William Haggas, the sprinter displayed a classy win at York and appears perfectly suited to Ascot’s stiff finish. British debutant jockey Jerry Chau will be in the saddle, adding a fresh perspective to the ride. Great Britain and Ireland’s Cape Ashizuri remains a wildcard.
After an unexposed run that left him disappointed in a large field, John and Sean Quinn will be keen to see McMonagle deliver a stronger performance in the plate. Italian trainer Marco Botti, based in Newmarket, aims to maximise points for Great Britain and Ireland in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Classic (3.55). His contender Archers Bay, another strong option for Ryan Moore, has been battling seasoned rivals such as Ancient Egypt and Heraldry since his Newmarket win. While the form line isn’t the most robust, Archers Bay’s recent victories suggest he can still deliver.
Team‑mate Hoseki is on a roll, having secured a hat‑trick in a course‑and‑distance fillies’ race under a light weight. Whether she can improve further from a five‑pound higher mark remains to be seen. An intriguing alternative is Jessie Harrington’s Pierre Grosse, a maiden who brings solid form and is making his debut with cheekpieces, potentially adding a surprise element.
See the latest horse racing news, interviews and features from Sky Sports Racing. The closing Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Mile (4.30) could prove decisive in determining the ultimate winner of the trophy.
Europe’s Bullet Point is a strong candidate to capitalise on the final sprint. Christophe Lemaire will partner William Haggas’ gelding, who is returning to the sheepskin after a lackluster start to the season.
The horse carries just a pound more than when he captured a major handicap at York’s Ebor Festival a year ago, suggesting he still possesses the class to contend. I also have my eye on the Rest of the World entry, Ebt’s Guard. A proven course‑and‑distance winner who has performed admirably in high‑profile handicaps at Royal Ascot and Sandown, he could be a pivotal player for Indian ace Suraj Narredu, who guided Team Asia to victory last year. The Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup has gifted me some of my most memorable moments on the racecourse, and I am eager to witness the drama unfold before another enthusiastic crowd at Ascot.
I have been fortunate enough to ride three winners in this competition, including a double three years ago that earned me the Alistair Haggis Silver Saddle Trophy for the highest points scorer. My team triumphed in both 2023 and 2018, and I can attest that lifting that cup is an indescribable thrill. Team competition is a rarity for jockeys, so the rivalry that will erupt on the turf this Saturday promises to be intense and unforgettable.