Debutants Asia Team create record to win Shergar Cup

Dubai: The newly formed Asia Team made a dream debut in the 2025 Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup at Ascot on Saturday, edging out Europe by a single point in one of the most closely fought editions of the international jockeys’ competition.

Led by Indian ace Suraj Narredu, and joined by Japan’s Ryusei Sakai and Mirai Iwata, Asia finished on 68 points — just ahead of Europe’s 67 — with Great Britain & Ireland third on 62 and Rest of the World fourth with 55. It was the first time since 2014 that the title was decided by a single point.

Asia struck twice on the day, Narredu producing a well-timed run on Fireblade to win the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Stayers before Sakai landed the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Sprint aboard the promising Prince Of India. Iwata’s runner-up finish on Cerulean Bay in the closing Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Mile proved decisive in clinching the title.

“It’s a dream start,” said Narredu, who was also voted Dubai Duty Free Ride of the Day for his victory on Fireblade. “To captain Asia in its first year and win the Shergar Cup on my debut is the icing on the cake. We had two winners and valuable placings, and it will be big news back home in India. I’d love to be back every year.”

The Shergar Cup, sponsored by Dubai Duty Free since 2006, featured eight debutants among its 12 riders, including US multiple stakes winner Katie Davis, France’s record-breaking female jockey Delphine Santiago and Italy’s dual champion Dario Di Tocco.

Dubai Duty Free Managing Director Ramesh Cidambi hailed the addition of the Asia Team as a boost to the event’s global appeal, saying it would “undoubtedly add to the Shergar Cup’s unique international flavour.”

“We are delighted to support the further evolution of this unique event and the introduction of the Asia Team which will undoubtedly add to the global appeal of the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup,” Cidambi added. Cidambi was joined for the presentation by Salah Tahlak, DDF Deputy Managing Director; Sinead El Sibai, Senior Vice-President — Marketing, Mona Al Ali, Senior Vice-President — HR, and Salim Dahman, Senior Manager — Marketing.