Vincent Ho to Captain Hong Kong Jockey Club Team in Landmark 25th Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup

Ascot Racecourse is set to host a landmark 25th edition of the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup, with the event taking an exciting new turn as a World Pool fixture for the first time. Adding to the international flair, the Hong Kong Jockey Club will field its own team, replacing last year’s Asia squad, and bringing some of the world’s top riders to the iconic Berkshire venue.

Vincent Ho will captain the Hong Kong Jockey Club team, making his second appearance at the Shergar Cup after helping the Rest of the World team to victory in 2019, including a memorable win aboard Power Of Darkness in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Mile. Ho, best known as the regular partner of the legendary Golden Sixty — winner of 26 races including ten Group 1s between 2019 and 2024 — brings a wealth of international experience to the Ascot lineup.

Jamie Melham, returning as captain of the Rest of the World team and Global Event Ambassador, also boasts an impressive history at the Shergar Cup, having ridden in 2019 under her maiden name, Kah. Last year, Melham made racing history by completing the Caulfield Cup – Melbourne Cup double aboard Half Yours, becoming only the second female jockey to claim victory in ‘the race that stops a nation.’

“I’m thrilled to be part of this year’s Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup,” Melham said. “Riding at Ascot is always an honour, and I can’t wait to lead the Rest of the World team. As Global Event Ambassador, I’m excited to help showcase this unique raceday to racing fans around the globe.”

Melham will be joined by Suraj Narredu, who captained the Asia team to victory on his debut in 2025. Narredu delighted the crowd with a spectacular win on Fireblade in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Stayers, topping it off with an animated flying dismount in the winners’ enclosure.

Nick Smith, Director of Racing at Ascot, said: “The 25th running of the Shergar Cup is a significant milestone. Introducing the Hong Kong Jockey Club team and running the event as a World Pool fixture marks another evolution for the competition. We are grateful to Dubai Duty Free for their continued support of this event and for British and Irish racing as a whole.”

Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, added: “Since 2000, the Shergar Cup has been a highlight of the racing calendar. Each year delivers thrilling competition, and 2026 promises more unforgettable moments.”

Andrew Harding, Executive Director, Racing of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, said: “We are proud to be represented with our own team at Ascot, led by world-class rider Vincent Ho. This step reflects both the depth of talent in Hong Kong and our commitment to supporting premier international racing events. The introduction of the World Pool is another exciting development, and we look forward to an incredible competition.”

Additional adjustments to race logistics include moving the cut-off for reserves to 5pm the day before racing, improving clarity for race planning.

Ascot Racecourse, founded in 1711 by Queen Anne, has grown into Europe’s premier Flat racing venue, hosting 26 racing days annually, including the famous Royal Ascot meeting. The venue spans 179 acres leased from the Crown Estate and stages more than 300 non-racing events each year, from banquets to conferences and film shoots.

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