Focus on riders as much as the horses in Shergar Cup
The focus will be on the riders as much as the horses when four teams of three jockeys each do battle in a series of six races.
Richard Hughes has captained Ireland to victory for the last two years and again leads his compatriots.
Reigning champion Paul Hanagan heads Great Britain’s side with Olivier Peslier in charge of Europe’s team and Doug Whyte heading the Rest of the World’s representatives.
Points are awarded on a 15, 10, seven, five and three basis to the first five horses home and each jockey has five rides.
As well as a team prize, the jockey with the highest individual points tally wins the Silver Saddle and a cheque for £3,000.
Trainer Andrew Balding enjoyed a double at this fixture 12 months ago and has a four-strong team this time round.
He runs Chink Of Light in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Stayers Handicap, Dungannon (Barclays Shergar Cup Dash), Pipette (Michael Page International Shergar Cup Challenge) and Desert Law (Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Sprint).
“Chink Of Light has been a bit disappointing this year, but he blatantly didn’t stay the two-mile-six last time in very soft ground,” said the Kingsclere handler.
“This will probably be his optimum trip and hopefully he will run all right. The handicapper has given him a bit of a chance now.
“Dungannon is dropping back a furlong. He’s run some good races this year and should run well again.
“Pipette ran a nice race last time out and is getting her confidence back. We feel she will get the mile and a half but that is an obvious question mark. Anyway she seems in good form.
“Desert Law has a good chance. As long as the ground is not too soft he’d go pretty well.”
Clive Cox is another trainer who has tasted success at this meeting and is hoping to strike lucky with Dunn’o in the Les Ambassadeurs Casino Shergar Cup Mile and Averroes in the Michael Page International.
“Dunn’o wasn’t drawn great at Sandown on his last outing, but won very well previously at Sandown and a stiff mile is very much up his street,” said the Lambourn trainer.
“(We’re) pleased we’ve got Fran Berry’s assistance in the saddle.
“Averroes ran a super race at Royal Ascot so he’s shown a liking for the track.
“Neither of my horses would be inconvenienced by too much rain or it drying up. They are versatile from that point of view.
“I’m happy that both horses go there in good form and it’s always an interesting day’s racing. I’m looking forward to it.”
