'He loved his racing' - legendary spin bowler Shane Warne dies at 52

The sporting world was shocked by the death of legendary Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne at the age of 52 on Friday, with Ascot officials fondly remembering the star cricketer’s involvement on Shergar Cup day back in 2004.

Warne was a successful captain for the Rest Of The World team, which included Alistair Haggis Silver Saddle winner Weichong Marwing from South Africa, Frankie Dettori and Yutaka Take, and was on track along with many members of the Australian cricket team.

The second-highest test match wicket taker of all time, Warne made several subsequent visits to the Berkshire track and “loved his racing”.

Nick Smith, director of racing at Ascot, said: “It’s very sad news and a massive shock – Shane was much loved here as well as over in Australia and around the world.

“Shane captained the Rest Of The World team in 2004 against Great Britain & Ireland and pretty much the whole Australian cricket team was here that day. They had a great time and I remember it very well – it was lively!

“We had Pat Cash, Vinnie Jones and Kevin Keegan among others as team captains in the early days, but Shane is the world’s greatest spin bowler and was the biggest draw we had.

“Shane loved his racing and that wasn’t his only trip to Ascot, he’s been here on several big days since and, like most Australians, enjoyed a good day out at the races. He seemed a really nice guy and just loved life.”

Shane Warne celebrating Shergar Cup success with the Rest Of The World team in 2004Credit: Julian Herbert/Getty

A certain event on Shergar Cup day sticks in the memory of Smith, with many youngsters able to learn the spin bowling basics from the master.

Smith said: “We used to do sporting masterclasses in the morning on Shergar Cup day and Shane did one with the kids in the old Silver Ring, showing them how to turn a ball and it was incredibly popular. The queues were right back to the entrance to participate and everyone was keen to get involved.”

Warne attended the Melbourne Cup at Flemington over the years, including when backing the winner Rekindling and runner-up Johannes Vermeer each-way in 2017 after replicating bets placed on his phone by owner Lloyd Williams’ son Nick.

He also became involved in ownership earlier this year, taking a share in the David Vandyke-trained Sacred Oath who finished second on debut at Doomben last month. The three-year-old colt could bid for a poignant success at Ipswich on Wednesday.