The Shergar Cup at Ascot introduces significant changes for 2025 with the debut of Team Asia, captained by Indian jockey Suraj Narredu. This change replaces the Girls team. Other notable participants include American jockey Katie Davis, who's new to the Rest of the World team, while Europe and Great Britain & Ireland teams welcome new faces like Delphine Santiago and Robbie Dolan. This year's competition promises excitement with a mix of seasoned professionals and debutants representing their respective teams.
Shergar Cup at Ascot introduces Team Asia, led by Suraj Narredu Girls team replaced for 2025, but female jockeys feature on all teams
Newcomers include Katie Davis for Rest of the World, and debuts from Europe
The Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Classic at Ascot. (Getty)
A handful of top international jockeys will make their debuts in the revamped Shergar Cup at Ascot on Saturday afternoon.
The main story going into this year's Shergar Cup is the introduction of team Asia, which replaces the Girls team for 2025. Captaining this line-up is Indian jockey Suraj Narredu, who follows in the foosteps of his father, Malesh, who rode in the 2009 edition of this team competition.
"I always hoped that I would be able to ride in the Shergar Cup one day and so I can’t wait for Saturday. I am very excited," said Narredu.
As captain of the Asia team, he’s joined by top Japanese riders Ryusei Sakai and Mirai Iwata, both also newcomers to the competition. "I’ve never met them, but I think both of them are world-class jockeys from what I’ve seen," Narredu added. "It will be a great experience for me. I am sure we will all try to learn from each other."
The retirement of Shergar Cup stalwart, Hayley Turner may have contributed to the scrapping of the Girls team. However, females jockeys will still be well-represented on Saturday, with each of the three remaining teams featuring a female jockey in their line-up.
The Rest of the World team welcomes a new face in American jockey Katie Davis, who brings charisma and growing international recognition, in part thanks to her recent appearance on the Netflix docuseries Race for the Crown.
Irish jockey Robbie Dolan holds the trophy after riding Knight's Choice to victory in the Aus$8 million (USD 5.25 million) Melbourne Cup. (Getty)
"I’m so excited to be riding in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup this year," Davis said. "It was amazing to be invited and it should be a great buzz to ride on such a big day at Ascot, one of the most famous racecourses in the world. I think it’s great what they have done with the teams this year."
Davis rides alongside veteran rider Karis Teetan, and legendary Australian Hugh Bowman, both of whom have experience riding around Ascot.
Team Europe, meanwhile, introduces two debutants of their own, Delphine Santiago of France and Dario Di Tocco of Italy. They will ride under the leadership of veteran Swedish jockey, Per-Anders Gråberg.
Hollie Doyle captains Great Britain and Ireland, with Joanna Mason bolstering the female presence in the home squad. Joining them is another debutante, Irish jockey Robbie Dolan, who has made his name riding in Australia and rode outsider Knights Choice to victory in this year's Melbourne Cup.
