For the first time, an Indian jockey will captain a team at the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup, with Suraj Narredu set to lead the newly-formed Asia team. Narredu’s selection marks a significant milestone in his career and a moment of pride for Indian horse racing. The Shergar Cup, scheduled for Saturday, 9th August 2025 at Ascot Racecourse, will feature four teams — Great Britain & Ireland, Europe, Rest of the World, and Asia — with Narredu proudly leading the Asian challenge.
The 2025 edition of the Shergar Cup introduces a refreshing new format by replacing the long-standing Ladies team with the Asia team, which includes both male and female jockeys. This change highlights the increasingly gender-inclusive nature of modern racing, recognizing that riders now compete on equal footing across the globe. Suraj Narredu will be joined by two of Japan’s top jockeys — Ryusei Sakai and Mirai Iwata. Sakai is a well-known figure on the international circuit, thanks to his success aboard Forever Young, currently the world’s highest-rated horse, and Shin Emperor. Iwata, meanwhile, bolstered Japan’s global standing by winning the World All-Star Jockeys title in 2023. Together, the trio forms a formidable red-silks-clad unit aiming to make a statement in the competitive six-race event.
Suraj Narredu, one of India’s most decorated jockeys, comes from a celebrated racing family. Son of champion trainer Satish Narredu and nephew of former ace rider Malesh Narredu, Suraj has carved out his own legacy with over 2,000 career wins, multiple Indian Derby titles, and success in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. His leadership at an event of this stature highlights the growing influence of Indian talent on the global horse racing stage.
Team Great Britain & Ireland will be captained by Hollie Doyle, one of British racing’s most decorated jockeys. With over 1,023 career wins, Doyle is joined by Melbourne Cup-winning rider Robbie Dolan, who gained fame beyond racing through his appearance on The Voice Australia. The European team will be led by ten-time Swedish champion Per-Anders Gråberg, alongside Switzerland’s pioneering Sibylle Vogt and Italy’s prolific Dario Di Tocco, who has surpassed 850 wins including the Derby Italiano. Representing the Rest of the World, captain Karis Teetan of Mauritius brings star power from Hong Kong, with notable wins aboard Romantic Warrior and Ka Ying Rising.
Dubai Duty Free continues its role as the event’s title sponsor for the 20th consecutive year, backing a £500,000 prize fund and offering an additional £25,000 in stable bonuses. The Shergar Cup is more than just a racing event — it’s a full-day celebration capped by a vibrant concert. This year’s entertainment will be headlined by pop star Perrie, supported by chart-toppers Joel Corry and Marvin Humes. Tickets start at £35, with early bird discounts available until 2nd May.
With Suraj Narredu proudly carrying the Indian flag at this prestigious international meet, the 2025 Shergar Cup is set to be a historic moment for Indian horse racing on the world stage.
One thought on “Captain Narredu : Indian jockey to lead Team Asia in Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup”
Absolutely so much happy for this celebrated Jockey from India, so talented and was actually recognised him in the riding school itself in his formative years of riding. Well done Suraj!!!