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Gulf Today
11-08-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Asia Team triumph at DDF Shergar Cup
The 2025 edition of the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup at Ascot Racecourse on Saturday produced one of the most competitive renewals in recent years with the newly-created Asia Team comprising Suraj Narredu, Ryusei Sakai and Mirai Iwata edging out Europe by one point in a thrilling conclusion to the international jockeys' competition. Asia posted two victories on the card, with Narredu guiding Fireblade to success in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Stayers and Sakai scoring on promising three-year-old Prince Of India in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Sprint. Iwata delivered a vital contribution as on runner-up Cerulean Bay in the closing Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Mile, leaving Asia with a final points total of 68 one point ahead of Europe with Great Britain & Ireland in third with 62 points and Rest of the World in fourth with 55 points. It was the first time since 2014 a team has won the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup by a single point after Europe denied the Ladies. Narredu, Asia's team captain, said: 'I am absolutely delighted. After my winner, to win the Shergar Cup on my debut is the icing on the cake. I know this is a new team that was introduced this year and I am sure in future they will be a force to be reckoned with. 'The Asia team deserves to get recognition and I am proud to captain the team. It was fabulous for us to get two winners and some place points from the six races. We all enjoyed ourselves and it is a big deal to have come. It will be big back home in India. 'I would love to come again, every year! I am open. I am staying in Britain for three more weeks to ride out for a few trainers, primarily Marco Botti, before I head home. It is a very short time, but I hope I can pick up a few rides. 'I am glad to have made full use of the opportunity I was given. It is always good to learn, explore and experience things like this. I am always open to do that.' To cap a fantastic Ascot debut Narredu was also awarded the Dubai Duty Free Ride of the Day judged by Dubai Duty Free guest, former Derby winning jockey John Reid, for his win on the Dylan Cunha-trained Fireblade. Speaking to a raceday crowd of more than 20,000 at the opening ceremony Ramesh Cidambi Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, title sponsor of the Shergar Cup since 2006, said, 'We are delighted to support the further evolution of this unique event and the introduction of the Asia Team which will undoubtedly add to the global appeal of the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup.' Ramesh Cidambi was joined for the presentation of the coveted Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup by Deputy Managing Director Salah Tahlak, Sinead El Sibai Senior Vice President – Marketing, Mona Al Ali Senior Vice President – HR and Salim Dahman Senior Manager – Marketing. In all eight of the 12 riders comprising the four teams were making their Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup debuts and included Katie Davis, multiple Stakes winning jockey in the USA Delphine Santiago, France's all-time leading female jockey, and Dario Di Tocco dual champion jockey in his native Italy.
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
India's Narredu to spearhead Asia's charge in historic Shergar Cup revamp at Ascot
Suraj Narredu, one of India's most decorated jockeys, is set to make history once again — this time as captain of the newly formed Asia Team in the 2025 Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup at Ascot Racecourse. The multiple-time Indian champion, whose name has long been synonymous with excellence on the subcontinent's racing scene, will be making his Shergar Cup debut in this year's edition — and not just as a participant, but as the man leading the charge for the first-ever Asia Team. The team makes its debut this year, replacing the long-running Ladies Team, as the Shergar Cup embraces a new chapter that celebrates international diversity and gender equality. Joining Narredu in Team Asia's red silks are Japanese sensation Ryusei Sakai — currently one of the most recognisable names in global racing thanks to his partnership with the world's highest-rated horse, Forever Young — and fellow countryman Mirai Iwata, the 2023 World All-Star Jockeys champion. Crowning Moment For Narredu, the appointment as captain is more than symbolic. It's a culmination of an extraordinary career that has seen him amass over 2,400 wins worldwide, including 54 Group 1 victories — an astonishing 36 of which were Derby titles. He was just 25 when he became the fastest Indian jockey to reach 1,000 career wins, and his success has taken him far beyond the Indian turf, with stints in Dubai, Australia, Ireland, France, the United States, Malaysia, Mauritius, and Macau. 'This is more than just a race meeting for me,' said Narredu. 'To represent Asia, and to lead a team with such incredible talent like Ryusei and Mirai, is truly an honour. The Shergar Cup has always been a standout event, and this new format only raises the bar.' The 2025 edition of the Shergar Cup, taking place on Saturday, August 9, will once again be staged at the iconic Ascot Racecourse and will feature six high-calibre handicap races with a total prize pool of £500,000, along with £25,000 in stable bonuses. Racing Meets Regional Rivalry In a format that breaks away from the conventional mould of racing, jockeys will compete in Ryder Cup-style teams based on geographical regions, with points accumulated across the races to determine the overall champions. Dubai Duty Free's title sponsorship of the event is also continued for a 20th year. "Back in 2009, my uncle Malesh Narredu made history as the first Indian jockey to ride in the prestigious Shergar Cup, representing the Rest of the World team,' said Suraj. 'I had the incredible opportunity to travel with him and witness it firsthand." Narredu's appointment is also a landmark moment for Indian racing on the world stage. While horses from the sub-continent have yet to make consistent inroads internationally, Narredu's selection as captain is a nod to the country's deep pool of riding talent and its growing influence in the global racing circuit. Other star names set to feature include Hollie Doyle, the trailblazing and history-making British jockey who will lead the Great Britain & Ireland team, and Mauritian ace Karis Teetan, captain of the Rest of the World team. The European team will be led by ten-time Swedish champion Per-Anders Gråberg, returning to Ascot for his first Shergar Cup appearance since 2018. New Format Hailed Nick Smith, Director of Racing and Public Affairs at Ascot, hailed the evolution of the event: 'We feel now is the time to move away from a ladies-only team, and this new evolution of the format keeps the event fresh.' 'We're pleased to have secured top talent from across the world to compete at the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup with at least eight different countries set to be represented already. 'We feel now is the time to move away from a ladies-only team, and this new evolution of the format keeps the event fresh.' With the inclusion of a concert and party following the races the Shergar Cup continues to blend top-tier sport with entertainment, drawing a diverse and enthusiastic crowd. Riding for a Legacy But for Narredu, it's not just the spotlight that matters — it's the colours he'll wear and the legacy he's creating. 'Wearing the red silks of Asia, riding alongside two world-class jockeys, and captaining this team at a venue as iconic as Ascot… it's a dream,' he said. 'I'll be riding not just for myself, but for Indian racing and for everyone who has supported my journey.' As the Shergar Cup embraces its boldest reinvention yet, it seems only fitting that a trailblazer like Narredu takes centre stage.
