Latest news with #ShergarCup
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.
Scottish Sun
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
‘Now is the time to move away' – Ascot drops Ladies' Team from Shergar Cup for new Asia squad
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ASCOT bosses have dropped the famous Ladies' Team from the Shergar Cup - and replaced it with a squad from Asia. Chiefs said 'now is the time to move away' from having a separate side for women. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Jockey Hayley Turner (right) sprays team-mate Emma-Jayne Wilson after the now-defunct Girls Team win the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup at Ascot Credit: Alamy Trailblazing jockey Hollie Doyle said the decision was a 'nice reminder' that men and women compete on equal terms in racing. The popular Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup is one of Ascot's biggest meetings and this year's renewal on August 9 will have £500,000 up for grabs. Recently-retired Hayley Turner was the face of the ladies-only team, which had won four of the past six Shergar Cups. Turner, who announced her pregnancy in her retirement statement, snatched the title in dramatic fashion last year with a short-head victory on New Image in the final race. But it's all change for 2025, with the ladies' team axed and a new Asian contingent in its place. Japanese jockey Ryusei Sakai will be the 'star attraction' thanks to his association with Forever Young, the world's highest-rated horse. He will be joined by Mirai Iwata, dubbed the 'rising star' of Japan's jockey league, while Suraj Narredu from India will captain the team. They will wear red silks, replacing the pink of the ladies. Doyle will captain the Great Britain and Ireland squad, while there will also be teams from Europe and the Rest of the World. Doyle, who recently became Britain's most successful female jockey, said: "The Ladies' Team over the years has had great success, but the new changes that have been made, which include integrating the male and female jockeys on the same team, is a nice reminder that we as jockeys complete on a level playing field internationally." While Nick Smith, Director of Racing and Public Affairs at Ascot Racecourse, said: "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." FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
The Irish Sun
13-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
‘Now is the time to move away' – Ascot drops Ladies' Team from Shergar Cup for new Asia squad
ASCOT bosses have dropped the famous Ladies' Team from the Shergar Cup - and replaced it with a squad from Asia. Chiefs said 'now is the time to move away' from having a separate side for women. 1 Jockey Hayley Turner (right) sprays team-mate Emma-Jayne Wilson after the now-defunct Girls Team win the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup at Ascot Credit: Alamy Trailblazing jockey Hollie Doyle said the decision was a 'nice reminder' that men and women compete on equal terms in racing. The popular Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup is one of Ascot's biggest meetings and this year's renewal on August 9 will have £500,000 up for grabs. Turner, who But it's all change for 2025, with the ladies' team axed and a new Asian contingent in its place. Japanese jockey Ryusei Sakai will be the 'star attraction' thanks to his association with Forever Young, the world's highest-rated horse. He will be joined by Mirai Iwata, dubbed the 'rising star' of Japan's jockey league, while Suraj Narredu from India will captain the team. They will wear red silks, replacing the pink of the ladies. Most read in Horse Racing Doyle will captain the Great Britain and Ireland squad, while there will also be teams from Europe and the Rest of the World. Doyle, who recently became Britain's most successful female jockey, said: "The Ladies' Team over the years has had great success, but the new changes that have been made, which include integrating the male and female jockeys on the same team, is a nice reminder that we as jockeys complete on a level playing field internationally." While Nick Smith, Director of Racing and Public Affairs at Ascot Racecourse, said: "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." FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. . Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
The Sun
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
‘Now is the time to move away' – Ascot drops Ladies' Team from Shergar Cup for new Asia squad
ASCOT bosses have dropped the famous Ladies' Team from the Shergar Cup - and replaced it with a squad from Asia. Chiefs said 'now is the time to move away' from having a separate side for women. 1 Trailblazing jockey Hollie Doyle said the decision was a 'nice reminder' that men and women compete on equal terms in racing. The popular Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup is one of Ascot's biggest meetings and this year's renewal on August 9 will have £500,000 up for grabs. Recently-retired Hayley Turner was the face of the ladies-only team, which had won four of the past six Shergar Cups. Turner, who announced her pregnancy in her retirement statement, snatched the title in dramatic fashion last year with a short-head victory on New Image in the final race. But it's all change for 2025, with the ladies' team axed and a new Asian contingent in its place. Japanese jockey Ryusei Sakai will be the 'star attraction' thanks to his association with Forever Young, the world's highest-rated horse. He will be joined by Mirai Iwata, dubbed the 'rising star' of Japan's jockey league, while Suraj Narredu from India will captain the team. They will wear red silks, replacing the pink of the ladies. Doyle will captain the Great Britain and Ireland squad, while there will also be teams from Europe and the Rest of the World. Doyle, who recently became Britain's most successful female jockey, said: "The Ladies' Team over the years has had great success, but the new changes that have been made, which include integrating the male and female jockeys on the same team, is a nice reminder that we as jockeys complete on a level playing field internationally." While Nick Smith, Director of Racing and Public Affairs at Ascot Racecourse, said: "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." . Remember to gamble responsibly
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
A $15m jockeys racing league would relegate real stars to supporting role
Frankie Dettori and Ryan Moore are among the big names lined up for the proposed new international jockeys' league. Photograph: Fiona Hanson For The Jockey Club/Shutterstock It was a case of eyes down for marketing buzzword bingo on Monday morning, as news emerged that a dozen leading riders, including Frankie Dettori, Ryan Moore, William Buick and Yutaka Take, have signed up to compete in a new international jockeys' league from 2026, with up to 10 six-race fixtures annually staged at some of the sport's most famous tracks around the world. According to various reports, the 'revolutionary' new competition will, its organisers claim, have 'a franchise-based league structure' designed to turn riders into 'global icons' and engage a 'fresh audience' for racing. The jockeys involved will own equity in their team, act as the 'team principal' for their franchise and, if all goes to plan, will be competing for a share of a $15m prize fund within two years. Advertisement Related: Desert Flower wins 1,000 Guineas to seal Classic weekend double for Appleby – as it happened Beyond the names of the riders involved – which also include James McDonald, Flavien Prat, Irad Ortiz Jr, Vincent Ho, Mickaël Barzalona and Christophe Lemaire – there is not much clarity as yet on important information such as dates, venues or how the competition will be structured given that the riders are not racing's primary athletes. For now, the aim seems to be to secure commercial backing and sponsorship for the project as a whole and the individual riders' teams. Innovation, new money and, hopefully, a fresh generation of enthusiasts for a sport with an ageing fanbase. It is, on the face of it, an enticing prospect, and the project's co-founders, John Ferguson and Lachlan Fitt, have a wide range of experience in the industry. Ferguson is a former chief executive of the Godolphin operation and current board member of the British Horseracing Authority, while Fitt recently resigned from his role as deputy CEO of gambling group Entain's Australian arm. At the same time, though, and while there are undoubtedly some very talented names on the cast-list of riders, the simple fact remains that the sport is called horse racing for a reason. This has been a source of frustration for the promoters for decades – how do you persuade people to engage with athletes when the athletes can't talk? – and trying to persuade them to engage with the jockeys instead is not exactly blue sky thinking. Advertisement The Shergar Cup, a jockey-based team event at Ascot in August, has been around for a quarter of a century, while the International Jockeys' Championship has long been a popular feature of Hong Kong's annual International event in December. But these events are, essentially, just a bit of fun before the serious stuff with the best horses gets underway. To be anything more than that, or provide a meaningful comparison between the abilities of the riders involved, the new league would need to account for the varying chances of the horses taking part but without making it all too complex for its audience to understand. A jockey's role, after all, is to maximise a horse's chance by getting it from start to finish as swiftly and efficiently as possible. If an odds-on shot scrambles home from a 25-1 outsider, the rider of the runner-up may well have done their job much better than the one on the winner, but no jockey will ever be able to make a horse run any faster than its genes, physique and preparation will allow. This is not to suggest that there is anything wrong with a bit of fun, and while the flag-waving at the Shergar Cup may not be to everyone's taste, it was Ascot's second-biggest draw outside of the Royal meeting last year. Advertisement With its talk of a $15m prize fund, though, and a claim by Fitt that 'the concept we've developed with our foundation jockeys can help revolutionise global horseracing in the coming years', the global jockeys' league seems to be aiming to be rather more than a sideshow. There is precious little detail available as yet, and there may be a cunning plan to make the league a meaningful contest between jockeys from very different racing backgrounds. Perhaps it will also find the fresh audience it is looking for, but from this fan's perspective at least, a racing enterprise that relegates the horses to supporting-actor roles does seem to be missing the point.
