With just three days remaining until the curtain rises on the 2025 Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup at Ascot Racecourse, anticipation is reaching a fever pitch, especially among Indian racing fans. All eyes will be on famous Indian jockey Suraj Narredu as he gears up to captain Team Asia in what promises to be the most internationally diverse edition of the Shergar Cup yet.
Scheduled for Saturday, 9 August 2025, the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup will once again combine world-class team racing with top-tier musical entertainment, creating a unique festival atmosphere that sets it apart from traditional race days. As the gates open at 11:00 AM, thousands of fans will stream into Ascot not just for the action on the turf, but for a post-racing concert headlined by pop royalty and chart-topping DJs.
Full Racing Schedule Promises High-Calibre Action
The six-race card will kick off at 1:35 PM with the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Dash (5f, £80,000), followed by The Stayers Handicap at 2:10 PM (2 miles, £80,000). The Challenge Handicap over 1m 4f (£80,000) will go off at 2:45 PM, offering a test of both pace and stamina.
Next up will be The Shergar Cup Sprint at 3:20 PM (6f, £80,000) for the three-year-olds, leading into The Classic Handicap at 3:55 PM (1m 4f, £80,000). The grand finale will be The Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Mile at 4:30 PM a £100,000 contest that will likely play a decisive role in determining the winning team.
Global Line-Up Adds Star Power
The 2025 edition will bring together elite riders from over 10 countries, with the event’s long-standing emphasis on diversity and inclusion stronger than ever. For the first time, all four teams Europe, Great Britain & Ireland, Rest of the World, and Asia, will feature female jockeys as part of the lineup.
Notable additions include Katie Davis of the USA, fresh off her Netflix documentary spotlight, who will ride for the Rest of the World team alongside Hugh Bowman (Australia) and Karis Teetan (Mauritius). France’s Delphine Santiago will line up with Per-Anders Gråberg (Sweden) and Dario Di Tocco (Italy) for Team Europe, while Joanna Mason joins Hollie Doyle and Robbie Dolan for Team GB & Ireland.
With each team comprising three jockeys and competing in a points-based format across six thrilling races, the competition will offer a compelling mix of camaraderie and fierce rivalry.
Suraj Narredu Set to Lead Team Asia in Shergar Cup
Making headlines across the subcontinent and beyond is the inclusion of Suraj Narredu, India’s most celebrated jockey in modern racing, as captain of the newly introduced Team Asia. This marks a significant moment not only for Indian racing, but for Asian representation on a global stage. Narredu, known for his composure, precision, and winning instinct, will be joined by Japan’s Ryusei Sakai and Mirai Iwata, creating a formidable trio for Asia’s first-ever appearance at the event.
Narredu’s participation is expected to spark significant interest back home in India, where the Shergar Cup will be followed closely by fans and industry insiders alike. His appointment as captain is a nod to his stature in the sport and to Asia’s growing footprint in international racing.
Post-Race Concert to Feature Perrie, Joel Corry, and Marvin Humes
After the final race, the stage will shift literally to the musical portion of the day. Perrie Edwards of Little Mix fame will take centre stage with a blend of her solo tracks and fan-favourite anthems. She will be joined by chart-topping DJ and producer Joel Corry, whose high-energy sets have captivated global audiences, and Marvin Humes, returning with his popular live DJ mix that has become a Shergar Cup staple.
This blend of racing and entertainment continues to position the Shergar Cup as a major summer highlight on the UK sporting and social calendar, attracting a wide range of visitors from seasoned punters to first-time racegoers.
In an era where sport increasingly aims to break boundaries, the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup stands out as a celebration of international unity and competition. It is one of the few race days where riders compete as teams, setting aside national rivalries for the greater thrill of collaboration.
Backed by Dubai Duty Free long-time patrons of global equestrian excellence the event reflects a commitment to both sporting merit and cultural inclusivity. As the countdown continues, one thing is certain, when the gates burst open on August 9th, the world will be watching.
For deeper coverage on on global jockeys, explore our International Racing section and stay connected with RaceBuzz for the latest horse racing updates.
