Historic victory in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup: Narredu emerges triumphant in the Asia team's thrilling triumph at Ascot
In a historic moment for Indian and Asian racing, Suraj Narredu, the "Magic Man of India," became the first Indian jockey to win at the prestigious Ascot Racecourse. Narredu led Team Asia to their maiden victory at the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup in 2025, edging out four-time former champions Europe by a narrow margin of one point.
The 40-year-old jockey, with a career spanning over two decades, has amassed over 2,500 career wins, including four Indian Derby titles. Narredu was inspired by legendary jockey Frankie Dettori and emulated his signature 'Flying Dismount' celebration after his wins at Ascot, a tribute to the Italian jockey who inspired him.
Narredu captained the newly introduced Team Asia in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup, a unique team-based event held at Ascot since 2000. Each of the six races in the annual competition was won by a different jockey, but it was Narredu's strategic leadership and skillful riding that contributed decisively to Team Asia's victory.
His most memorable victory came in the Stayers (Handicap) race on Fireblade, where he secured a historic win for Team Asia. The Shergar Cup attracts around 30,000 fans and is considered "racing’s most popular event," highlighting the significance of Narredu’s accomplishment on this world stage.
Narredu's success has elevated the profile of Indian and Asian jockeys internationally, breaking long-standing barriers in global horse racing. His achievements inspire young jockeys in India, showcasing the possibilities for Indian talent in highly competitive international racing circuits. The historic Team Asia win at the Shergar Cup, with Narredu at the helm, sets a new benchmark for Asian involvement and success in major horse racing events.
In a heartfelt moment, Narredu expressed his gratitude for having his family and well-wishers present at his historic win. He also promised to perform the Frankie Dettori 'flying dismount' if he rode a winner, a promise he fulfilled with a mid-air leap, mimicking the iconic celebration.
Hugh Bowman, a legendary Australian jockey, won the Silver Saddle for leading rider at the Shergar Cup, with 32 points, riding for the REST OF THE WORLD team. Other notable performances include Robbie Dolan and Hollie Doyle, representing GREAT BRITAIN & IRELAND, earning 25 and 24 points respectively, and Karis Teetan, riding for REST OF THE WORLD, scoring 20 points. Delphine Santiago, a rider for EUROPE, scored 22 points, and Per-Anders Graberg, also representing EUROPE, scored 26 points in the competition.
The final team standings of the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup are: ASIA 68, EUROPE 67, GREAT BRITAIN & IRELAND 62, REST OF THE WORLD 55. This victory marks a significant milestone in Narredu's career and the rise of Asian jockeys on the global stage.
The victory of Team Asia, led by Suraj Narredu, in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup marked a significant moment for Asian jockeys, breaking long-standing barriers in the sports-betting world of global horse racing. With his strategic leadership and skillful riding, Narredu won the Stayers (Handicap) race on Fireblade, making history in both racing and racing-betting circles.
The Shergar Cup attracts thousands of fans from all over the world, making it racing's most popular event. It was the 40-year-old jockey's performance that highlighted its significance, as his historic win for Team Asia set a new benchmark for Asian involvement and success in major horse racing events.
Narredu's success can be traced back to his passion for sports, inspired by legendary jockeys like Frankie Dettori. He emulated Dettori's 'Flying Dismount' celebration after his wins, and even performed it after his victory at the Shergar Cup.
Hugh Bowman, a legendary Australian jockey, won the Silver Saddle for leading rider at the Shergar Cup, with 32 points, riding for the REST OF THE WORLD team. Other notable performances included Robbie Dolan and Hollie Doyle, representing GREAT BRITAIN & IRELAND, as well as Karis Teetan for REST OF THE WORLD and Delphine Santiago and Per-Anders Graberg for EUROPE.
The historic Team Asia win at the Shergar Cup, with Narredu at the helm, not only impacted the sports betting industry but also motivated young Indian jockeys, showcasing the possibilities for Indian talent in highly competitive international racing circuits.
