Champion Australian jockey Hugh Bowman has added another prestigious honour to his resume, claiming the Silver Saddle award at the renowned Shergar Cup at Ascot in England on Saturday night, Australian time.
Now based in Hong Kong, the Hall of Fame rider captured the title for the leading jockey of the event, marking his second Silver Saddle success after first claiming it in 2007 when he led 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 sees 12 jockeys from around the globe split into four teams of three, earning points across six races to decide the champion team and top individual rider.
Bowman was partnered in the Rest Of The World team by fellow Hong Kong-based jockey Karis Teetan of Mauritius and American rider Katie Davis. He opened the meeting in style by winning the Shergar Cup Dash (1005m) aboard Vintage Clarets and added two more placings across the program.
The overall team honours went to Team Asia, captained by Indian rider Suraj Narredu, who rode in Australia during 2023. Narredu became the first Indian jockey to ride a winner at the Shergar Cup when guiding 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.”