Ascot eyeing Pattern-free Saturday to ensure all-star line-up

Gavin Lerena: South African aces truck ob Danehill Kodiac (pictured) and Arch VillainCredit: Julian Herbert

Having a Pattern-free Saturday to ensure the best British-based jockeys take part in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup is something organisers could explore.

Champion jockeys Ryan Moore (injury) and Jamie Spencer (suspension) were forced to sit out Saturday's Shergar Cup at Ascot, where the British and Irish team of Joe Fanning, Martin Harley and Oisin Murphy finished last in the four-strong team competition

Haydock's Group 3 Rose of Lancaster card on the same day means top riders can be required elsewhere, and Ascot director of racing and communications Nick Smith described selecting the British and Irish side as "tricky".

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James BurnLambourn correspondent

Published on 7 August 2016inNews

Last updated 18:03, 7 August 2016

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