Ryan Moore returned to the Shergar Cup after a 20-year absence, playing a pivotal role in Great Britain & Ireland’s commanding victory at the international jockeys’ challenge held at Ascot on August 8, 2026. The event featured teams from Europe, Rest Of The World, Hong Kong, and Great Britain & Ireland, with the latter strongly favoured by bookmakers at odds as low as 2-5.

Moore, a three-time champion jockey, last competed in the Shergar Cup in 2006 and replicated his earlier success by winning the prestigious Alistair Haggis Silver Saddle for top jockey once again. He secured two wins during the meeting, guiding Asgard’s Captain to victory in the Shergar Cup Challenge and Archers Bay in the Shergar Cup Classic. In between Moore’s triumphs, team captain Saffie Osborne added to Great Britain & Ireland’s tally with a win aboard Red Spells Danger in the Shergar Cup Sprint. Osborne, noted for her enthusiastic celebration, doused Moore with champagne on the Ascot podium following their victories.

The event began with a strong showing from the newly formed Hong Kong team, who took the first two races. Jerry Chau, in his Shergar Cup debut, won the opening Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Dash on Tuco Salamanca, followed by teammate Luke Ferraris winning the next race aboard Dancing In Paris. Their early success marked a notable debut performance, adding competitive intensity to the international challenge.

Despite the early momentum from Hong Kong, Great Britain & Ireland responded emphatically to dominate the remainder of the race card. Luke Ferraris, riding for the Hong Kong team, also thwarted Moore’s favourite Shrimp Shady in the Shergar Cup Stayers race. Meanwhile, Team Europe managed to reach the scoreboard with Norwegian jockey Frida Valle Skar’s triumph on Crown Board in the last race, but it was insufficient to challenge the home team’s overall dominance.

Moore, now 42, attributed his absence in recent years to commitments with trainer Aidan O’Brien but expressed pleasure at returning to the Shergar Cup. "I had nothing else on today, so it’s nice to be here," Moore said. He also commented on the value of competing alongside fellow international stars such as Yutaka Take and Christophe Lemaire, who represented Rest Of The World and Europe, respectively.

Osborne praised the level of competition and atmosphere, highlighting the event’s appeal to younger audiences and newcomers to horse racing. “It’s something a bit different and very fun to be involved with, and the level of racing today was really good,” she said.

Overall, Great Britain & Ireland’s team, bolstered by Moore’s experienced rides and Osborne’s leadership, lived up to expectations on a day that blended strong international competition with a spirited home performance at Ascot.