Our ambassador Hollie Doyle, who topped the leaderboard at the 2023 Shergar Cup, will dominate Saturday's international showdown at Ascot, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. Doyle’s reputation as the leading rider of the previous edition adds an extra layer of excitement to the event, and her partnership with Thunder Call positions the horse as a serious threat in the competition. Welsh trainer Chris Mason is thrilled to have a runner in this year’s Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup, and his hopes will soar on Saturday night if his five‑year‑old, All Ways Glamorous, captures the opening Shergar Cup Dash (1.35) at Ascot. The colt, representing Team Europe, has already proven his class by securing a course‑and‑distance victory just two weeks ago, despite carrying a five‑pound lower rating.
That win not only demonstrates his ability to handle the unique Ascot track but also offers French jockey Marie Velon a valuable ride that could boost her confidence and points tally for the European side. Europe’s Bolo Neighs appears ready to take the lead after a strong finish in the same race during his last outing, but he still needs to sharpen his finishing kick to overturn his rivals. Meanwhile, veteran jockey Ryan Moore can be counted on to extract the best performance from his longtime mount Spartan Arrow. The seasoned horse has been in good form, contributing valuable points for Great Britain and Ireland in previous legs of the series.
A rising star, Shrimp Shady, is another hopeful for the Great Britain and Ireland contingent. The young horse is slated to contest the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Stayers (2.10) and, if he stays true to his recent improvement, could deliver a maximum haul of points for his team. His stamina and recent progress over longer distances make him a compelling prospect in the two‑mile test. Andrew Balding’s four‑year‑old, already a winner of major marathon handicaps at Chester and Newbury this summer, looks perfectly suited to the demanding two‑mile trip at Ascot.
Ryan Moore will again be aboard, hoping to secure another lucrative ride that could tip the balance in favor of Great Britain and Ireland. The horse’s proven ability to handle extended trips and heavy ground should serve him well on the undulating Ascot straight.
Europe, who have not lifted the Shergar Cup since their back‑to‑back triumphs in 2013 and 2014, are well represented this year. Ian Williams‑trained Hermetic, a former French winner, is likely to build on his fourth‑place finish at Newcastle under the elegant guidance of Christophe Lemaire. Carrying a rating of 81, Hermetic could be a key point‑scorer if he finds a clear run and showcases the turn of foot that made him a Group performer abroad. It was encouraging to see Richard and Peter Fahey return from the cold list at Southwell on Thursday, just in time to target Castle Stuart’s entry in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Challenge (2.45).
Their fresh legs and recent race‑sharpness could prove decisive in a race that often decides the mid‑day points swing. Hong Kong makes its debut as a team this year, and they have a reliable four‑year‑old who, despite being unlucky in two close finishes against Roger Varian’s improvers at York earlier in the season, remains a solid contender. South African jockey Luke Ferraris, a familiar face in Chinese racing circles, will be tasked with coaxing the best out of the horse in the team’s inaugural effort. Ian Williams also has Irish champion Dylan Browne McMonagle aboard his likely favourite Night Breeze.
The consistent performer, who placed a respectable third at Goodwood, will need to deliver a career‑best effort to secure victory, a scenario that could leave him vulnerable if the pace turns out to be too sharp. Two years ago, Rachel King’s Insanity captured the imagination of the crowd, and the same horse could repeat the feat under Europe’s Velon if the conditions suit. 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 last outing, is poised to rediscover his winning ways for the Hong Kong team in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Sprint (3.20). Trained by William Haggas, the sprinter displayed a classy turn of foot at York and appears tailor‑made for Ascot’s stiff finishing straight.
British debutant jockey Jerry Chau will have the honour of piloting the horse, adding an extra narrative to the sprint. Great Britain and Ireland’s Cape Ashizuri remains a wild card.
The horse was relatively unexposed in his previous big‑field run, finishing disappointingly, but trainer John and Sean Quinn will be pleased to have McMonagle in the saddle, hoping the jockey’s experience can unlock hidden potential. Italian trainer Marco Botti, based out of Newmarket, aims to maximise points for Great Britain and Ireland in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Classic (3.55). His entry, Archers Bay, has been battling the likes of Ancient Egypt and Heraldry since a victory at Newmarket, a form line that stands out despite the overall renewal looking modest. Archers Bay’s ability to sustain a strong gallop over the classic distance makes him a strong contender for valuable points.
Team‑mate Hoseki is on a roll, having secured a hat‑trick in a course‑and‑distance fillies’ race under a light weight. While the horse is now carrying a five‑pound higher mark, there may be limited room for further improvement. A more intriguing option could be Jessie Harrington’s Pierre Grosse, still a maiden but equipped with solid form and first‑time cheekpieces that could give him a competitive edge. See the latest horse racing news, interviews and features from Sky Sports Racing.
The closing Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Mile (4.30) could ultimately decide the fate of the trophy. Europe’s Bullet Point appears poised to capitalise, especially with Christophe Lemaire partnering William Haggas’ gelding, who is making his first appearance in the sheepskin after two lacklustre starts this season. The horse is only a pound heavier than when he won a major handicap at York’s Ebor Festival a year ago, suggesting he still possesses the class to contend.
Another noteworthy contender is 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. The horse could be a significant point‑getter for Indian ace Suraj Narredu, who led Team Asia to victory last year. The Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup has given me some of my most memorable days on the racecourse, and I am eager to watch the drama unfold before what promises to be a large, enthusiastic crowd at Ascot. My personal history with the event includes three winning rides, highlighted by a double triumph three years ago when I was presented with the Alistair Haggis Silver Saddle Trophy as the highest points scorer.
I was part of the victorious team in both 2023 and 2018, and I can attest that lifting that cup delivers an indescribable buzz. Team competition is a rarity for jockeys, so the rivalry that will erupt on the turf this Saturday is bound to be fierce, making the Shergar Cup a highlight of the racing calendar.