Ryan Moore leads the way as GB&I win Shergar Cup at Ascot

Ryan Moore claimed victory in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup at Ascot, securing the title of leading rider for Britain and Ireland after winning two races during the competition. The 20-year-old jockey, who last participated in the unique challenge in 2004, returned to form with a commanding display, contributing to his nation's triumph over teams from the Rest of the World and Europe. Moore began his campaign with a win aboard Dylan Cunha’s Asgard’s Captain in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Challenge. The horse, ridden at odds of 13-2, held off a challenge from Yutake Take’s Sportingsilvermine to secure a one-length-and-a-quarter victory. Moore praised the performance, noting that the horse had a "very good attitude" and stayed well throughout the race. He expressed satisfaction with the result, stating that the owners were "delighted" and that the win was a "good job" given the horse's performance. Later in the day, Moore continued his dominance by riding Marco Botti’s Archers Bay to victory in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Classic. The 5-2 favorite came away from the final turn with ease, finishing three-and-a-quarter lengths ahead of Christophe Lemaire’s King Of Berkshire. Moore described the ride as "textbook," highlighting that Archers Bay, trained at Ballydoyle, had been in excellent condition. He noted that the horse "enjoys fast ground" and that the race was not particularly competitive, allowing him to simply "sit and point." In the concluding race of the Shergar Cup, the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Mile, Moore finished third on Ozat, behind the 10-1 outsider Crown Board, which was ridden by Frida Valle Skar. Despite the loss, Moore remained focused on the overall standings, having already secured the Alastair Haggis Silver Saddle for leading rider. With 47 points, he edged out Lemaire, who earned 35 points, to claim the honor. The Shergar Cup, held annually at Ascot, brings together riders from different regions to compete in a series of races, with the winner determined by total points accumulated across the day. This year’s event saw participation from teams representing Britain and Ireland, the Rest of the World, and Europe. Moore’s success marked a return to form for the jockey, who had not competed in the event since 2004. His ability to adapt to the new format and maintain consistency across multiple races underscored his skill and experience. The competition drew a large crowd, with many fans eager to witness Moore’s return. His performances were met with approval from both the public and fellow competitors. Lemaire, who finished second in the rider standings, acknowledged Moore’s achievements, expressing admiration for his consistent performance. Moore, meanwhile, emphasized the importance of teamwork and preparation, crediting trainers and stable staff for their contributions. Looking ahead, the focus will shift to future competitions where Moore hopes to continue his successful streak. The Shergar Cup serves as a platform for international rivalry, and Moore’s victory reinforces his position as one of the top jockeys in the sport. With his recent successes, he is poised to remain a key figure in upcoming events, continuing to showcase his talent and dedication.