Dubai: Dubai Duty Free (DDF) have extended their commitment as title sponsors of the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup for a further three years, and have also secured exclusive naming rights to all six races on the unique jockeys competition.

DDF have been involved with Ascot racecourse since the move of the team jockeys’ competition from Goodwood in 2000, first as Rest of the World team sponsors and, from 2006, as event sponsors. In line with this new agreement, all six races on the Shergar Cup card will be raised in value by £10,000 to £40,000 each.

Highlighting the new developments, Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice-Chairman of Dubai Duty Free, said: “We have been associated with the Shergar Cup from the outset and have seen it develop into a unique and hugely popular event in the British racing and social calendar.

“We have pledged our continued support until at least 2016, and for the first time this year will add sponsorship of every race on the day to our established status as title sponsor of this event and Official Sponsor at one of the world’s leading sporting venues.

“We are delighted to have been able to work with Ascot to achieve an increase of more than 30% in the prize money for every race.

“The line-up of international jockeys is taking shape and I am sure this year’s renewal will be as competitive as ever.”

The Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup race programme comprises six competitive handicaps which continue to be well supported by many of the sport’s leading trainers.

Charles Barnett, Chief Executive at Ascot commented: “The Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup is key to our overall global strategy for Ascot. We spend a lot of time promoting the Royal Meeting and King George to overseas owners and trainers and on this unique day of the year, that theme extends to the world’s best jockeys.

“We have seen stars from all over the world take part in the Shergar Cup and it is always fascinating to see the champions of various regions going head to head with sometimes quite different styles.

“Last year, we welcomed the out-of-retirement Gary Stevens from the USA along with compatriot Rosie Napravnik, the top female rider in that part of the world, along with Joao Moreira from Brazil, who subsequent to impressing everyone in the Shergar Cup has become one of the top riders based in Hong Kong.

“The teams for this year are shaping up to be just as exciting, especially as we are welcoming back the enigmatic Canadian legend, Emma-Jayne Wilson, who is one of the event’s biggest fans and ambassadors.