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| Credit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images) |
Key Changes in the Line-Up
Joanna Mason will make her second appearance at the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup at Ascot on Saturday, stepping in to replace Saffie Osborne. Osborne had initially been named as part of the three-strong Ladies Team but had to withdraw due to other riding commitments.
Ascot racecourse announced the change on social media platform X, stating: "Due to other riding commitments on Saturday, Saffie Osborne will no longer be competing in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup. She will be replaced by Joanna Mason. Welcome to the Ladies Team @jomason90!"
Team Line-Ups
Ladies Team
- Hayley Turner (captain): Returning for her record-extending 17th appearance.
- Marie Velon: French jockey.
- Joanna Mason: Replacing Saffie Osborne.
Great Britain and Ireland
- Billy Loughnane: Making his debut, the 18-year-old sensation who had two winners at Royal Ascot in June.
- Tadhg O'Shea (captain): Leading the team.
- Seamie Heffernan: Experienced jockey.
Rest of the World
- Rachel King (captain): Australian-based British rider.
- Rachel Venniker: South Africa's only professional female jockey.
- Nanako Fujita: Representing Japan.
Europe
- Bauryrzhan Murzabayev (captain): Kazakhstan-born multiple champion in Germany.
- Jose-Luis Borrego: Spanish rider.
- Alberto Sanna: Italian jockey.
Event Highlights
This year’s Shergar Cup features a points-based competition with a new format under consideration for 2025. Notably, for the first time, there will be an even split of male and female jockeys. The event will distribute a record £500,000 in prize money across the six-race programme, along with £25,000 in stable bonuses for the top three yards.
Nick Smith, director of racing and public affairs at Ascot, commented: "We are thrilled with the line-up this year for the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup which has a really strong international flavour with nine countries represented. To have secured some top-class jockeys, including the star of the moment Billy Loughnane, and international Group 1-winning jockeys Rachel King and Marie Velon is testament to the strength of the event."
Conclusion
The Shergar Cup at Ascot promises an exciting day of racing with a diverse and talented line-up of jockeys from around the world. Fans can look forward to thrilling races and impressive performances from the participating teams.
