Hugh Bowman has once again left his mark on the international stage, winning the Silver Saddle for leading rider at the prestigious Shergar Cup at Ascot in England on Saturday night, Australian time.
The Australian Hall of Fame jockey, now based in Hong Kong, secured the award for the second time, having first claimed it back in 2007 when steering the Rest Of The World team to victory.
“It is great to be back,” Bowman said. “I am very appreciative of the opportunity to ride here this year, representing the Rest of the World team, and to be back at the Royal Ascot track, it’s hallowed ground, it’s an honour. It is great to be here, the Shergar Cup is a unique event. Riding on this track is something that all jockeys around the world aspire to do. I have had the privilege of doing it previously and to come back and win a race (is great).”
The Shergar Cup is a global teams competition featuring 12 jockeys split into four teams, with points awarded based on placings across six races.
Riding alongside Karis Teetan of Mauritius and American Katie Davis for the Rest Of The World team, Bowman struck early by taking out the opening event, the Shergar Cup Dash (1005m), aboard Vintage Clarets. He also notched two additional placings to secure the top individual honour.
Team Asia claimed the team title, led by Indian jockey Suraj Narredu, who had a stint in Australia in 2023. Narredu made history by becoming the first Indian rider to post a Shergar Cup victory when piloting Fireblade to success in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Stayers (3208m).
“After my winner, to win the Shergar Cup on my debut is the icing on the cake,” Narredu said. “I am glad to have made full use of the opportunity I was given. It is always good to learn, explore and experience things like this.”