'Asia will be a force to be reckoned with' - newcomers edge out Europe to win the Shergar Cup

Team Asia made a dream start to their Shergar Cup story, clinching victory by the narrowest possible margin on their first appearance in the competition. 

A second-place finish for 28-1 chance Cerulean Bay under Mirai Iwata in the finale was just enough to seal a one-point triumph over Europe, despite the runners-up finishing the day with back-to-back wins.

Captained by Suraj Narredu, Team Asia, which replaced the Ladies team this year, produced a consistent showing across the six races. Narredu himself enjoyed a milestone moment when steering Fireblade to victory in the stayers' race, 16 years after his uncle won at the track. It was also a performance that earned him the ride of the day accolade.

“I’m really happy with what we’ve done and going forward I think the Asia team will be a force to be reckoned with,” he said. “To get ride of the day and win the Cup, what more can I ask for?”

Narredu took a wide swing into the home straight aboard Fireblade, picked up the pace to hit the front and began celebrating as he crossed the line, pointing to the crowd. Ryusei Sakai got the all-important second win for Team Asia when he rode Prince Of India to victory in the 6f sprint.

“My family has been the biggest support," Narredu added. "To come here to Ascot and do the Frankie Dettori dismount, it’s unbelievable.

“I couldn’t sleep at all last night, but it’s been amazing. To have two winners and a few placing points has meant we’ve come out on top. I know a Ladies team had to be dropped, but I think it was all worth it, the decision-makers have done a fabulous job."

Europe had threatened to spoil the party, with Delphine Santiago landing the penultimate race on Tenability in a photo finish from teammate Dario di Tocco, their 1-2 earning 25 points and closing the gap to just ten going into the Shergar Cup Mile. Per-Anders Graberg struck for Europe in the finale, but Cerulean Bay’s runner-up spot for Asia ensured a 68–67 victory.

The day had begun brightly for the Rest of the World, whose Silver Saddle winner Hugh Bowman opened proceedings aboard Vintage Clarets, who squeezed through a gap to win the Dash, with teammate Venture Capital in third under Karis Teetan. Bowman won the top jockey award by six points from Europe’s Graberg.

Hugh Bowman: winner of the Silver Saddle for leading riderCredit: Edward Whitaker

Bowman, making his third Shergar Cup appearance and recording his first British win since 2011, said: “The horse gave me a terrific ride, relaxed beautifully and was there for me when I needed him. The kids don’t get to go racing much in Hong Kong with under-18s not allowed, so it’s been a great opportunity for them and my wife Christine to come along and enjoy the day.”

Great Britain and Ireland’s only success came courtesy of Robbie Dolan, who steered 11-8 favourite Night Breeze to victory in the 1m4f handicap. 

Trainer Ian Williams questioned why some of his contemporaries had not supported the Shergar Cup, and said: “I know it’s not everybody’s cup of tea. Everybody’s moaning about prize-money in Britain but they’re offering £80,000 for a ten-runner race and there’s a race on the card that’s not full. It’s shameful."

Although there was no Ladies team this year, female jockeys were well represented, with Hollie Doyle and Joanna Mason making up two-thirds of the Great Britain and Ireland team, Santiago starring for Europe and US rider Katie Davies, well known from the Netflix series Race For The Crown, featuring for the Rest of the World team.

While she did not ride a winner, Davies enjoyed soaking up the atmosphere in front of a crowd of 18,000. “It’s fun, I’m finally getting the hang of it. I’m loving it,” she said. “The stalls are tight, it’s just so exciting. The atmosphere is beautiful.”

Read more:

'The standard is noticeably lower than usual' - Maureen Haggas urges Ascot to improve quality of jockeys at Shergar Cup 

'We've had a good afternoon' - Hugh Bowman edges out Swedish rival to take second Shergar Cup Silver Saddle 

'Bloody hell, it's been a mega day' - Power Blue upsets 1-4 favourite True Love to complete big-race double for Amo 

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