Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup 2026 review, reaction and free video replays from Ascot

Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup, 2026

Final Team standings

GBI 81
HK 62
EUR 62
ROW 39

Final Alistair Haggis Silver Saddle standings

Ryan Moore GBI 47
Christophe Lemaire EUR 35
Jerry Chau HK 32
Frida Valle Skar EUR 22
Yutaka Take ROW 20
Saffie Osborne GBI 20
Suraj Narredu ROW 16
Luke Ferraris HK 15
Vincent Ho HK 15
Dylan Browne McMonagle GBI 14
Marie Velon EUR 5
Jamie Melham ROW 3

Race 6: Board Crowns great day at Ascot

Frida Valle Skar punched the air as she crossed the line in front on Crown Board (10/1) in the closing Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Mile, with Europe enjoying a one-two in the most valuable race of the day.

The Norwegian rider got the fractions spot on at the head of affairs and, when challenged approaching the final furlong, her mount kicked again to seal the £100,000 prize in style.

The winning margin was almost four lengths back to teammate Bullet Point (7/2 joint-favourite) and Christophe Lemaire, with Great Britain & Ireland contender Ozat (7/2JF) third under Ryan Moore.

Valle Skar said: “Incredible, it is a dream come true when you ride a winner at Ascot. I do not even know what I was doing when I punched the air, but it was incredible. I was so happy. It is very special.

“You are already very happy to have the opportunity to come here to ride – not only one race but five races. To be honest, I started the day disappointingly with horses jumping out slow, so it is incredible to finish the day like this on a winner.

“After my Group race win, I think it must be the second-best thing that has happened in my career. I hope I get the opportunity to come back. It will be my pleasure.”

On the race, she said: “Crown Board was quite keen coming out of the start, so I decided to just let him get on the hand and relax at his pace. I waited for him to have a blow and then he just flew away when I asked him to.”

Christophe Lemaire, who rode runner-up Bullet Point, said: “I have had no wins today, but earned a lot of points and tried hard for my team. I had nice rides who gave everything. It has certainly been worth coming and I am very glad to have been here. Nice horses, nice track, fair racing and it is good to ride against other top jockeys from around the world.”

Ian Williams, who trained third-placed Ozat, the mount of Ryan Moore, said: “He did not get the best start, which put him on the back foot and, with reference to the winner, he [Ozat] had a lot of ground to make up. The winner has flown and our horse has done well to finish where he has. We are not disappointed, but with a better start, who knows? Having said that, the winner has won well, but at least we know we have a talented horse.”

Race 5: Moore hits target again with Archers

Archers Bay (5/2) made it three on the bounce for Great Britain & Ireland with an emphatic victory under Ryan Moore in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Classic.

Moore’s mount had a perfect spot behind the leaders throughout the 12-furlong contest, with the Marco Botti-trained top weight taking it up a furlong out and stretching away for a three-and-a-quarter-length success.

Front-runner King Of Berkshire (8/1) held on to second for Europe and Christophe Lemaire, a neck ahead of Baltic Fleet (28/1) in third for Team Hong Kong and Jerry Chau.

Moore said: “It was very straightforward and he won comfortably. Archers Bay is a horse I know actually, from Ballydoyle. Jimmy Quinn does all the work on him at home and he has been telling me how well he was.

“He enjoys fast ground. It probably was not a strong race for the grade, but he travelled comfortably and won easy. He was just a sit and point really.

“It is always nice to ride winners anywhere and I am just fortunate to draw this lad today. He was good.”

Botti said: “Most of the Wootton Bassetts, they are good-looking horses. Archers Bay is a big, imposing type and, funnily enough, the only time he disappointed a little bit was on soft ground. For a big horse, he loves fast ground.

“Ryan said he had him in a nice rhythm. They did not go very quick and he settled well. Once he turned into the straight, Ryan asked him to quicken, and he picked up immediately and put the race to bed in just a few strides. He definitely stayed the trip and hopefully he will keep progressing.

“When we went for the Italian Derby, we thought he had a good chance and it was just unfortunate that day the ground turned soft, which we found out he does not want it. He needs top-of-the-ground and that is the key to him.

“He should step up to that level [again]. I am presuming he will go up a few pounds after today. I do not know where he will go next, but I am sure he will be going for some black-type races.

On the Shergar Cup, he added: “The last couple of years we have had runners here and we won a race last year with Prince Of India, so it is nice to come back with another winner. The prize money is good, while it is a great day for owners, although unfortunately the owners of this horse could not be here because they are travelling home. However, their son is here and enjoying a great day out.”

Christophe Lemaire, rider of runner-up King Of Berkshire, said: “He ran very well. He was very comfortable in front and gradually he quickened the pace. We could not do anything against the winner, but he fought well.”

Ian Williams, trainer of third-placed Baltic Fleet, who was pulled up at Goodwood only 10 days previously, said: “Last week we made a conscious decision to take our time with him and it did not suit him. Today we had to reach for the visor, as we wanted to do something different, and Jerry has given him a magnificent ride. He was in the box seat all the way. He just got taken off his feet a bit with two to go but galloped on well. He could go for the Melrose next. Why not?”

Jerry Chau, rider of Baltic Fleet, said: “Last week he was pulled up at Goodwood, but the trainer told me he was well and healthy. He told me I just had to trust the horse and I had a lovely ride.”

Anthony Bromley, representing the owners of fourth-placed Hoseki, said: “The race was not run to suit us. She came wide around the bend and it is a tough gig from there, but she will have the same handicap mark next time.”

Race 4: Saffie a Danger to bookies again

Great Britain & Ireland captain Saffie Osborne was in the winner’s enclosure following an impressive success on Red Spells Danger (2/1 joint-favourite) in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Sprint.

Having sat off the pace early, Tim Easterby’s three-year-old made stealthy progress towards the far side of the nine runners before powering clear to score by a length and a half.

Team Hong Kong’s Thunder Call (2/1 joint-favourite) stayed on to take second under Jerry Chau, with front-runner May Angel (5/1) three quarters of a length further back in third for Europe’s Christophe Lemaire.

Osborne said: “I heard a few people knocking this horse and his chances today, whereas I thought the track would really suit him. I remember seeing him in the race at Newmarket and he did not look like the track really suited him that day.

“He showed what a class horse he is today. He is a really lovely horse. He probably found the ground a little bit quick for him early doors and I had to let him warm into it, but then he came home really well.

“I was not enjoying today very much until then, as I had not scored a point. It is a great day, and it is really great to have so many people here to watch it. It showcases how fun this sport is.

“The win for me today is that I've made Ryan [Moore] laugh a couple of times, so I am quite happy with that!"

Jerry Chau, who finished second on Thunder Call, said: “There are two more races to go, so it is still open. I feel my horse needed further – we picked up at the same time as the winner, but he had more dash. I am enjoying my day – I am very happy.”

William Haggas, trainer of Thunder Call, said: “He ran well, but was too far back.”

Dylan Browne McMonagle, who finished fourth on Cape Ashizuri, said: “I am getting a few points, but Saffie and Ryan are doing a job for the team. I will keep trying.”

Race 3: Moore shines on Asgard’s Captain

Ryan Moore marked his first Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup appearance in 20 years with victory abord Great Britain & Ireland’s Asgard’s Captain (13/2) in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Challenge.

Trained by Dylan Cunha, the six-year-old was beaten two lengths into fifth behind Night Breeze in the 12-furlong contest last year but reversed the form emphatically, picking up strongly to score by a length and a quarter.

Sportingsilvermine (16/1) was second for Yutaka Take and Rest of the World, edging out Enemy (28/1) and Europe’s Frida Valle Skar in third.

Moore said: “Dylan did say he can be a little bit lazy and just help him through it. Very good attitude, uncomplicated horse, stays well. It was very straightforward.

“The horse began well and was in a good position. He just needed a little organising off the home bend, but when I asked him for an effort, he showed a really good attitude.

“I am sure all the owners are delighted. They said they were looking forward to it, so it is a good job the horse has performed today.

“I had nothing else on today so it's nice to be here. It is nice to see the likes of Yutaka [Take] and Christophe [Lemaire] – it is great to see Yutaka still going."

Cunha said: “I am over the moon, but it has been a long-term plan with Asgard’s Captain. We felt he should have won here last year when he was fifth. Nothing has changed, but today he had a really strong ride from Ryan Moore.

“It was great to find Ryan was riding the horse. He makes a massive difference. He has ridden three times for me, including twice in Dubai, and he has had two wins and a second.

“This is this horse’s best trip, but we cannot always find the right race for him at this distance. He is going to Budapest on September 5 for a Group One there over a mile and a half.

“I love this meeting – we won the Stayers last year with Fireblade – and the international element. The owners love it, too. Luke Ferraris won the last race and, like me, he is from South Africa. South African racing is quite a small community.”

Jordan Hopkins, who runs winning syndicate Quest Thoroughbreds, said: “When we had that booking [of Ryan Moore], we came here with a little more confidence than we would have otherwise. We wanted to have Ryan riding for us and everyone was pretty excited about having him on. There are about 24 or 25 in the syndicate. It is going to be a good night tonight!

“It is all credit to Dylan and Mark, who led him in. Mark does all the hard work on him in the mornings. He is a fairly strong ride in the mornings and only Mark can ride him, so we owe a lot to him and a lot to Dylan for keeping him fresh.

“I am just going to mention Martin [Grey, syndicate member], who sadly lost his dad a few years ago now. They used to come racing together at Ascot and he only lives round the corner, so it is special for him. And my granddad got me into racing when I was little and I lost him about five years ago on Monday, so it is quite a poignant win.”

Martin Grey said: “That was actually my 25th winner with Quest Thoroughbreds and Dylan Cunha, ninth with Asgard’s Captain. Jordan runs the syndicate and I have got six horses with them and they just keep winning.

“Dylan is a brilliant trainer and to have Ryan Moore on board, he is the GOAT, is he not? We all know that. I thought he won the race for us. He was magnificent. I was so loud because today is just magical. To get a winner at Ascot is unbelievable, so we are over the moon.

“My dad said one thing before he went: ‘Imagine owning a horse and winning at Ascot.’ And we have got that dream that has come true and my daughter, Ella, is with me as well. We have got all family and friends and we are going to enjoy it.”

Yutaka Take said of runner-up Sportingsilvermine: “That was good. They went quick, and that suited my horse.”

Frida Valle Skar, rider of third-placed Enemy, said: “He gave me a lovely ride. He ran great. We came from behind because he does not jump well from the stalls, but they went quick and that gave me the chance to come back at the finish.”

Ian Williams, trainer of Enemy and fifth-placed favourite Night Breeze (last year’s winner), said: “That was a great run from both boys. Enemy was just nudged out for second, and to be fair to Night Breeze, this might just have come a bit quick for him after Goodwood. He ran a very nice race, but it looked like he did not quite get home.”

William Haggas said of fourth-placed Frances Ethel: “That was encouraging. She ran very well.”

Race 2: Hong Kong again as Dancing delivers

Dancing In Paris (17/2) continued a fine start for Team Hong Kong as he landed the two-mile Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Stayers under Luke Ferraris.

Having been made to wait for a gap two furlongs out, Dancing In Paris picked up well once finding room and collared Great Britain & Ireland’s Shrimp Shady (11/10 favourite) and Ryan Moore close home.

The winning margin was a comfortable length, with Mountain Road (10/1) half a length further back in third for Yutaka Take and Rest of the World.

Ferraris said: “I do not think I have ridden in one of those races [staying] in my seven years, so it was a bit of a change, but I could not have done it in a better spot. It has always been a dream to ride at Ascot; for the first one to be a winner has started the record off well.

“Dancing In Paris was in great order, so well done to the trainer and connections because he did not leave me alone from the time I left the barriers. I was a bit worried that was going to catch him out that last bit, but he got a great tow up the hill and, when he got inside the final furlong, he still had gears there. All credit to the trainer and his team.

“It really is fantastic. Team Hong Kong have started pretty strong, but it is really special to have my family here and some of their friends; it is amazing, so we will be celebrating accordingly tonight. Thanks to Greg Carpenter, he came up to me in Hong Kong and asked if I would like to do this and I said yes; it is great to be representing Hong Kong and hopefully doing them proud.”

Winning trainer Ian Williams said: “Dancing In Paris got a great ride. He was keen early and our biggest worry was that he would not settle. It looked as if he might get tapped for a little bit of space inside the final furlong, but the jockey got him out. It was a nice, professional ride, and a good performance from the horse.”

On his long-standing support for the Shergar Cup, Williams said: “Prize money is good, they look after the owners, they look after the jockeys. When you put a challenge on like this, which is very well covered on the TV, I do believe it is World Pool, it needs support. There are some years when races are not full, I do not understand it, it is just ridiculous; that horse has just picked up £40-something thousand for winning, it is a 10-runner handicap at Ascot with good jockeys. Why would you not support it?

“It is just a great challenge, it puts people together, it makes relationships, it makes things happen and Ascot need applauding for keeping it going. There have been times when I am sure they say this is really tough and are we getting the support, but they deserve the support. It is a very good event.”

Ryan Moore, rider of runner-up Shrimp Shady, said: “He ran very well – but then he got beat.”

Andrew Balding, Shrimp Shady’s trainer, said: “He is a very honest horse, but the race was not entirely run to suit us. Ryan made the best of a bad job, because we were drawn out wide and did not want to be in front. But there you go, and he did a great job in the circumstances. The outcome was we just got beat, but I cannot fault the horse.”

Yutaka Take, rider of third-placed Mountain Road, said: “He did not fail for stamina and he ran a good race.”

Dylan Browne McMonagle, rider of fifth-placed Pole Star, said: “It was a steady pace and turned into a bit of a dash, which did not suit my horse.”

Race 1: Tuco lands opener for Hong Kong

Tuco Salamanca (4/1) and Jerry Chau led home a one-two for Team Hong Kong in the opening Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Dash over five furlongs.

Trained by Ollie Sangster, Tuco Salamanca had a midfield spot behind the strong pace set by All Ways Glamorous and, when Chau pressed the button over a furlong out, the four-year-old picked up smartly to win by a length and a half.

Gold Star Hero (20/1) was second under Vincent Ho as Team Hong Kong secured 25 points, with Fandom (5/1) taking third for Suraj Narredu and Rest of the World.

Chau said: “I cannot believe it. Tuco Salamanca was a bit slow away. I let him settle, then asked him to quicken and he did it very well. I just hope that as a team we can keep getting points.

“He was a very calm horse – I took him slowly down to the start and he was good at the gate. I knew he would run well because he had saved a lot of energy. After a furlong, I knew he could win.

“It is a lovely feeling riding this track with the uphill and very different from riding in Hong Kong. I am very happy to be riding against other top jockeys.”

Asked about riding against his hero Ryan Moore, Chau laughed and said: “I just followed him – until it mattered!”

Sangster said: “This is a horse going back to five furlongs, as he has been running over six more recently. We thought they would go a real hard gallop and he might be rushed off his feet early, which he was, and we just told him [Jerry Chau] to get into a nice rhythm and, hopefully, be doing his best work at the end.

“We had the Ayr Gold Cup as an end-of-season plan, that is back up at six. We have obviously just seen he can be effective at five, maybe he is getting faster. They often do when they get older. We will enjoy today and work out things after that.

“I have never actually been to the Shergar Cup, let alone have a runner. Jerry was telling me he got the Tony Cruz Award for the best local jockey there last year, so he has obviously been making waves and we were thrilled with the ride he gave him. He is a progressive, fun horse. Having a winner on a day like today for enthusiastic and supportive owners is what it is all about.”

On the owners Pompey Ventures, he added: “They have got plenty of horses with me, have had a lot of success, and this has been their flagbearer. This has been a wonderful horse for me and the syndicate. They had a good winner at Goodwood last week. A very well-run syndicate at a time when syndicates have been getting a bit of flak, and I would certainly be keen to send anyone looking for ownership there.”

Owen Haly, founder of the syndicate, said: “Ollie is different class and this horse is a true testament to his training ability. This horse keeps going from strength to strength; we have made no secret we thought he was a Group horse based on the way he won at Kempton and Ollie has produced him time after time. For a syndicate that is only in its third year to have a horse like this is different class.”

Vincent Ho said of runner-up Gold Star Hero: “He threw a shoe on the way to the start, but he ran well, so I am happy. Of course I would like to have won, but first and second for the team could not be better.”

Suraj Narredu, rider of the third Fandom, said: “That was not too bad. There was a brief period in the race, for a few strides, when I thought I might win, but the winner was too good and just rocketed past me. I am in the points, though.”

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