Team Rest of the World-comprised of Japan's Yuga Kawada, Hong Kong's Vincent Ho and Australia's Mark Zahra-accumulated 86 points throughout six races at Ascot on Saturday to take the Shergar Cup jockeys' team competition. All three were riding in the Shergar Cup for the first time. The joint runners-up were Europe and The Girls on 63 points.
“I didn't have a great day myself, but my other [team] members were very successful today and rode very well winning a race each,” said team captain Kawada. “I came here last year during a trip to England and it has been great to catch up with people I met last year. It has been good to meet new people–it has been a fun day. It has been a great atmosphere, a great result and I am thrilled to have been the captain. I hope I can come back next year.”
Zahra was awarded the Dubai Duty Free Ride of the Day for his victory aboard Indianapolis (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Challenge.
“It is a real thrill to get the award of the Dubai Duty Free Ride of the Day,” Zahra said. “To be honest, I had never ridden at the track and you can only walk up the straight and back. I thought that for the first couple of races I could sit at the back a little and let it all unfold on horses I don't know much about. On Indianapolis I got there in the nick of time and it all went good.”
While The Girls could not defend their team title from last year, team captain Hayley Turn retained the Silver Saddle award for leading rider at the meeting, becoming the first rider to earn that honor in back-to-back years. Two wins and a second in the day's final race put her at 40 points, five clear of Zahra.
“I can't believe I won the Silver Saddle again,” Turner said. “It's a massive thrill–this event means so much to me. I really enjoy it and it's great because all my family are here as well.
“Even though the other girls [Jamie Kah and Nanako Fujita] didn't ride a winner, they will have gained lots of experience from riding here and they've both enjoyed it. And it's brilliant that our team finished joint-second as well. I'm definitely going to celebrate this evening. I'd like to think that's bagged me a spot here for next year.”
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